Coronavirus: Police 'appalled by breaches' at Rivington Pike

One business owner said it had been "crazy" how many visitors arrived after the snow fell

Police have criticised the public for "blatant breaches of the Covid rules" at a popular beauty spot in Lancashire.

Sgt Paul Harrison said he was "hugely disappointed" after thousands of people descended on Rivington on Sunday to walk and play in the snow.

Officers conducted a sample check on 25 vehicles, which revealed 90% had travelled from outside the area.

Ben Stubbs, who runs a nearby brewery, said it was "crazy" how many visitors arrived after the snow fell.

Sgt Harrison warned "fines would be forthcoming" if people continue to ignore coronavirus restrictions.

He confirmed that people had taken journeys from Greater Manchester and Merseyside to Rivington where tier four rules are in place.

• What are the Covid rules in England?

Under current measures, residents in tier three and four should avoid travelling outside the area where they live unless they have a "reasonable excuse" such as work or education.

Sgt Harrison said the force was "appalled and hugely disappointed" that so many people had chosen to ignore restrictions designed to limit the spread of the virus.

He added: "If you need to travel you should stay local - meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or city where you live."

'Stay local'

Mr Stubbs said he had taken the decision to close Rivington Brewing Co Tap until 13 January, as the firm "don't want to be irresponsible and contribute to the problem".

He said one customer had told him his five-minute drive home "took more than 40 minutes because of the volume of cars in the area".

Heath Charnock and Rivington councillor Kim Snape said she understood the draw of the snow, but urged people not to visit the area.

"We are so lucky to have Rivington on our doorstep in Chorley," she said.

"I understand people's need to exercise and get fresh air particularly at the moment [but] sadly we are under tier four restrictions so that means people are to stay local to where they live."

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team were called out to three rescue incidents on the first day of 2021

The warning from Lancashire Police comes days after Bolton Mountain Rescue Team carried out three missions on Friday.

The rescue team were called out to assist a woman with a suspected broken ankle, a man who was unconscious and an injured sledger.