MORE than 150 fines have been given to people in Chester and Ellesmere Port for breaching Covid-19 rules during the latest lockdown.

To date, a total of 685 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued by Cheshire Constabulary since January 4.

Of those, 118 have been handed out in Chester – the third highest figure in the county behind Warrington (155) and Crewe (126) – and 39 in Ellesmere Port.

The force, who are urging residents to stick to the rules, has dealt with a range of breaches from gatherings, businesses remaining open when required to close, and people being out without reasonable excuse.

Recently, The Standard has reported on a number of Covid breaches in Chester which have included a woman being fined for walking her dog after testing positive for the virus and a personal trainer being caught with clients in their garden.

During the last weekend alone, 116 FPNs were issued across the county.

One incident saw 15 FPNs handed out after officers discovered a party at an address in Alderley Edge which had been hired through an online booking site.

Officers explained the lockdown rules to all those inside but some attempted to hide away in cupboards to avoid engaging with police.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “While the majority of Cheshire residents are abiding to the rules, there are still a minority who are bending and blatantly breaching restrictions which are in place to save lives.

“Officers are risking their own health to protect Cheshire residents from this deadly virus and when they are met by blatant and repeat breaches they will enforce without delay.

“There are many more people in hospital with the virus during this lockdown than at any time during the pandemic. This is why it is so important that people continue to stick to the regulations, we will only get through this health emergency by us all doing the right thing.

“We know that most residents have been incredibly supportive and have assisted our efforts by staying at home and only leaving for the few exemptions outlined by Government. For that, I thank you.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane said: “With the vaccine programme being rolled-out and the majority of people following the rules, each day we get closer to beating the virus but there is still a great deal of work still to do.

“By sticking to the lockdown regulations we will not only protect our loved ones but also those most vulnerable in our communities by reducing the spread of coronavirus.”