POLICE patrols will increase around a Deeside beauty spot as people continue to ignore lockdown rules.

The North Flintshire policing team took to social media saying that they would be actively patrolling the area for those flouting the current guidance from Welsh Government when it comes to exercising under alert level four restrictions.

At present, the Welsh Government website states that your exercise must start and finish from your home address, or the home of the members in your support bubble. There are no limits on the distance you can travel during exercise, though the nearer you stay to your home, the better.

However, despite this being official guidance since December, people still don’t appear to be taking the message on board.

Cllr Ian Dunbar, representing the South Connah’s Quay ward, told the Leader how things have been getting worse in the area – even before lockdown.

He said: “It has been a pain for the people who live across from the park and for people trying to get past for years. Even the emergency services are having problems now because of cars are parked from one end to the other.

Cllr Dunbar said that the town councillors have been working with park officials to get the situation under control – adding that it has become a “rat race”.

He continued: “Myself, the vice chair [Cllr Peter Davies] and the head ranger Steve Lewis walked round the Park with PCSOs last week and he commented on the cars parked there.

“He told us they've got COVID patrols where if cars or people are causing nuisance because of people driving where they shouldn't we should give them a ring and they will come out.

“One person travelled from Garden City to walk dog so he was told he shouldn't. It is and has been nuisance for people who live there, they can't get out and if they do say something they get loads of abuse.”

Tom Woodall, Flintshire Council’s access and natural environment manager, said: “Under the current regulations people should not travel to exercise and the car park at Wepre Park will remain closed until the restrictions have been lifted.”