Britons warned not to ‘blow it now’ as lockdown easing and warm weather sees outdoor spaces packed

UK sees hottest temperatures since 1968 as restrictions eased

People enjoy the evening sunlight on Primrose Hill, north London (Ian West/PA)

Britons have been urged to “enjoy the sun” but not “blow it now” as large crowds gathered in parks after lockdown restrictions were eased on Monday.

People basked in the sun on Tuesday as temperatures soared to levels not seen since 1968, with Kew Gardens in London recording highs of 24.5C.

Large crowds in Nottingham were met by a heavy police presence as officers implemented an alcohol ban, while other areas of England have seen beach parties and packed parks.

The current rules mean people can meet in groups of up to six or two households outdoors.

“Let’s enjoy the sun but let’s do it safely. We have come so far, don’t blow it now,” the health secretary, Matt Hancock, tweeted.

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The small change in restrictions and stunning weather encouraged many to flock to their nearest green space or beach.

In Nottingham, footage posted to social media showed dozens of people ignoring social distancing rules, drinking and brawling at the Nottingham Arboretum.

Nottingham City Council urged residents to take responsibility for the safety of those around them after a dispersal order was put in place on Monday to break up large crowds attending the park and officers implemented an alcohol ban on Tuesday.

Local councillor David Mellen said a selfish minority had abused the easing of restrictions, adding: "We have all made sacrifices over the last year to keep each other safe.

"Over 600 local people have died due to the virus.

"We owe it to their families, to each other and to frontline workers not to jeopardise the strides we have made towards reducing the spread of Covid by acting so thoughtlessly and recklessly.

"The road map is a cautious way out of this terrible situation and we all need to abide strictly to its rules.

"They currently allow up to six people or two households to meet outside but other necessary precautions such as social distancing remain in place."

Alcohol will be seized from people entering parks from Tuesday, Mr Mellen said, amid an increased police presence.

In Brighton, beachgoers celebrated long after sunset when an impromptu party with flame breathers and performers drew large crowds.

Meanwhile, Cornwall has warned it is “still illegal” to visit its beaches in lockdown.

"The hospitality sector in Cornwall is working hard to get ready for visitors when the time is right - and no one wants to experience another lockdown,” Visit Cornwall’s Malcom Bell told The Sun.

"We want visitors to hear this message, plan ahead, book now and visit later when the rules allow and we look forward to welcoming you back to our beautiful part of the world."

Sally Everton, director of Visit Devon, said the public should only visit the county when it is “safe and legal” to do so.

“Coming up on the A30 all I saw was cars with surfboards on the roof. Either they’re going to get their surfboards waxed or serviced, or they’re looking for some waves,” she told The Mirror.

“I’m quite disappointed because people will flout the law. What we need is an enforcement notice from the government to say that while people can move around, they should stay local and to still minimise travel.”

In February Professor Mark Woolhouse, an epidemiologist on the government’s Sage committee, told MPs there was “very little evidence of outdoor transmission” from coronavirus in relation to such incidents.

He told the Commons science and technology committee: “There was evidence going back to March and April that the virus is not transmitted well outdoors. There’s been very, very little evidence that any transmission outdoors is happening in the UK.”