Concerns raised after young people gather at Chesterfield skate park

A picture taken on Tuesday night shows several individuals at the skate park behind Ravenside Retail Park.

MORE: Well-known Chesterfield shopkeeper set to have her hair shaved off in aid of the Sick Children’s Trust

England is currently in a four-week national lockdown aimed at tackling the spread of Covid-19.

Government guidance states: “You can exercise outdoors, or visit outdoor public places, with the people you live with, your support bubble, or one person from another household.

“Meeting in larger groups is against the law apart from specific exceptions where people from different households can gather in groups.”

Gareth Elliott, who submitted the picture to the Derbyshire Times, said: “It made me feel frustrated and angry.

“Most of us are doing the right thing and then you see these mass gatherings on numerous occasions.”

He added that police were parked nearby and he ‘assumed they had seen them’.

A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said they could not comment on this specific incident but added: “We appreciate it is hard for children and young people to not be tempted to meet their friends at evenings and weekends – especially when they are allowed to be together all day in school.

“But we need them to play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19.

“If officers see groups who are clearly not adhering to the regulations they will approach the group, engage with them, explain the current guidance to them, and encourage them to follow it.

“Enforcement will be taken as a last resort.

“If the age of those involved are under 18, then any fines would be issued to their parents, who will have to pay within 28 days.”

The spokesperson also had an important message for parents.

“Please explain to your children what their actions could lead to,” they said.

“Encourage them to follow the current rules and also the hands-face-space guidance to keep those around them safe.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the wellbeing of young people, including lack of social interaction.

Many studies say most young people have reported increased levels of loneliness, in part attributed to not being able to see and socialise with friends.

MORE: Would you be happy to live in Chesterfield town centre?

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.