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PARENTS visiting a popular park have been branded “stupid and reckless” after flouting lockdown rules by removing police tape so their kids can play.
The coronavirus outbreak has led to play areas in parks across Renfrewshire being sealed off.
However, some parents have been cutting through police tape at Robertson Park, in Renfrew, amid growing frustration over being told to keep their children indoors.
Police are increasing patrols in a bid to prevent people from using the swings and the skate park there, with council chiefs urging residents to raise the alarm if they see anyone ignoring the lockdown rules.
One worried Renfrew resident contacted The Gazette to express concerns that lives are being put at risk.
“Families are starting to use the play park, brazenly cutting through the tape so their kids can go on the swings,” said the resident, who asked not to be named.
“There was a shouting match between one such family and an understandably baffled man at the weekend.
“I’d seen a few police patrols in the park in the early weeks of lockdown but I haven’t seen anything recently.
“This virus doesn’t appear to be going anywhere but a growing number of people here are committing inexcusably stupid and reckless acts.”
Sergeant Kevin McGee, who is based at Renfrew police station, confirmed that officers have stepped up patrols at Robertson Park.
A council spokesperson said: “All play equipment within our parks and green spaces is currently closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and Renfrewshire’s wardens and Police Scotland check these areas daily to ensure people are complying.
“We will ensure this area is cordoned off correctly again and we encourage anyone who sees people using the equipment to report this to Police Scotland via 101.
“Anyone can pass on this disease, so it is extremely important that residents continue to follow the government guidance to ensure we stay safe, protect our NHS and save lives.”
Police have said the “overwhelming majority” of local residents have been obeying the lockdown rules but officers are able to issue fines as “a last resort” if people refuse to follow the guidance given to them.
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray, Divisional Commander, said: “Most people have accepted police advice and only on the rare occasion have we had to revert to a warning or enforcement.
“Where people continue to flout the regulations, officers will take the necessary action.”
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