BROMSGROVE District Council is urging residents to follow government guidelines over the Easter bank holiday.

This comes after Covid restrictions were eased on Monday (March 29) allowing groups of up to six, or two households, to socialise in parks and gardens while outdoor sports facilities can also reopen.

However, Worcestershire Regulatory Services enforcement officers fear the school holidays could see crowds gather and Covid cases increase.

Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Simon Wilkes, said: “While the Covid numbers are decreasing, in general, we want residents to continue to be conscientious while still enjoying these relaxed restrictions.

“Our enforcement officers, who can issue fines to businesses, for breaches of Covid regulations will continue to make checks.

“Our Covid advisors continue to be a presence in communities to help people and remind them of the requirements. So please take their advice and most importantly act appropriately to keep yourselves and others, safe.”

Despite the relaxed restrictions, residents are urged to still socially distance when queuing for takeaways, not to mix households, to minimise travel where possible, no overnight stays and to not crowd in local beauty spots.

Bromsgrove currently has the second highest number of Covid cases in Worcestershire.