Call for action over 'scenes of chaos' as crowds appear to flout covid rules in city centre

City of Durham Parish Council has written to Durham Constabulary’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell to raise concerns over crowding in the city centre at the weekend.

Videos posted on social media on the night of Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, show a large crowd in Saddler Street, not sticking to the social distancing or guidance to keep to the rule of six while outside.

A police vehicle can be seen in one clip with its blue lights and siren on as groups run away.

The council’s vice chairman Councillor Alan Doig said the council was worried the behaviour could lead to a increase in cases and risk the city being moved into Tier 3 restrictions.

He said the parish council was “deeply concerned” after videos showed large crowds of young people gathering outside shops and licensed premises.

"What is clear from these videos is that rules around social distancing and large group gatherings are clearly being flouted – rules which are in place to protect the public at a time when there have been over 300 new cases of Covid-19 in Durham in the past week,” he said.

“The parish council has written to the Chief Constable of Durham Police to ask what additional measures are being put in place to prevent similar scenes of chaos and thoughtless behaviour being repeated, especially at weekends.”

Superintendent Steve Long, from Durham Constabulary, said the number of officers in the city centre had been increased during weekends following the introduction of the 10pm curfew.

He added: “We are aware of reports of groups of people gathering in Durham City as they made their way home following the closure of pubs and bars over the weekend.

“Officers attended and encouraged people to disperse from the area, which they did.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to help the public follow the regulations by engaging, explaining and encouraging, and where necessary taking enforcement action.”

He said the force is working with Durham County Council, and Durham University’s Security Community Response Team to ensure licensed premises and their customers are following the rules.

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