CHESHIRE Police has revealed that 75 fines for lockdown breaches have been issued in Northwich in the past few months.

The constabulary is now urging residents to stay local and follow guidance as the gradual relaxation of lockdown rules begins.

On Monday, England took its first step with the reopening of schools.

As part of the changes, the public can now visit local public outdoor places to take part in recreation with their own household or one other person from outside their household.

Following the changes, officers will continue to engage and explain the rules with the public - but will move to enforce when met with blatant and repeated breaches.

Assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said: "As we move into spring and summer, we know that more people will be visiting beauty spots across Cheshire.

"The rules in place remain clear and officers will be supporting the relaxation of the rules and will be enforcing when met with blatant and repeat breaches.

"If you are visiting beauty spots for recreation or exercise, only do so with members of your household/bubble or one person from outside your household.

"Please also think, is it necessary to travel to a beauty spot to do this, or can you do it more locally to your home?

"It is really important that although you can now meet up recreationally, you must still stay at home as much as possible to continue to keep the infection rate down."

Since the lockdown regulations began in January, Cheshire Constabulary has issued more than 1,273 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

FPNs have been issued for a range of blatant breaches such as birthday parties, businesses remaining open when they should be closed and multiple people travelling without reasonable excuse.

Between January 4 and March 7, a total of 280 FPNs were issued in Warrington, followed by 186 in Crewe, 177 in Widnes, 176 in Chester and 156 in Macclesfield.

Meanwhile, 113 were issued in Runcorn, 75 in Northwich, 73 in Ellesmere Port and 37 across Cheshire's motorways.

Police and crime commissioner David Keane said: "Cheshire residents have made great sacrifices over the last year but it is really important that we do not damage the hard work we have done in reducing coronavirus cases.

"There are still strict rules in place which we all need to follow in order to see further relaxation of the national lockdown restrictions."