A NEIGHBOURHOOD police team has strongly criticised "irresponsible" visitors to Parkgate by not following medical guidance issued by the Government in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Neston and Parkgate Police team posted a picture on social media, taken on Sunday, March 22 at 2.25pm, showing how crowds had gathered on benches and walls, with very little attention paid to the current rule that people should be social distancing – staying two metres apart at all times wherever possible.

The team wrote: "Officers patrolled town centre and Parkgate this afternoon.

"Many people are not practising social distancing; people sitting by each other on benches and walls. It is irresponsible and must stop."

The weather is expected to remain warm, dry and sunny the next few days.

Social distancing measures should all be taken to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19), which is seeing cases soar in the UK.

Current Government guidance is that people can still go outside to walk or exercise outdoors if they stay more than two metres from others, but it is preferred that people sty home to minimise the risk of the virus spreading even further.

However, further restrictive measures may be put in place if the current measures prove inadequate at keeping people safe.