Fregate area cordoned off over islanders' "selfish actions"

Monday 18 May 2020

Police had to restrict access to the beach steps near la Fregate over the weekend after too many people congregated there to drink, ignoring physical distancing guidelines and leaving rubbish behind.

The Force said the area will be closed off temporarily, "due to the selfish actions of a few", but didn't give an indication as to when it might reopen.

The decision to cordon off the steps located near the beach at Les Jardins de la Mer was taken after what Police described as "repeated breaches of physical distancing and anti-social behaviour."

The Force said people had been warned and advised about their behaviour. 

Several islanders commented on social media about the number of people congregated on the steps on Saturday night. Many said that people were not maintaining a two-metre distance from each other, despite government advice.

Under current restrictions, islanders are being told to reduce contact with people outside of their household, avoid public gatherings and to keep at least two metres apart from each other when outside their home.

On Sunday morning, islanders discovered "discarded rubbish and broken glass" left behind by the large gatherings of people that had been there the previous night.

Pictured: Rubbish and broken glass were left behind.

In the pictures shared by Police, bins are in near proximity to the items left behind.

Police said: "This behaviour is unacceptable and we apologise to the majority of people who would ordinarily enjoy this area with their families."