Police step up patrols to make sure Northamptonshire celebrates VE Day at home

Extra police patrols will be out across Northamptonshire to make sure VE Day goes off without any flouting of the Covid-19 lockdown.

The 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two should have have been marked with celebrations and street parties across the county today (Friday May 8).

Those will be replaced by low-key affairs involving in private gardens with households keeping a social distance between themselves.

And officers will be ready to respond to reports from the public of large gatherings.

Superintendent Sarah Johnson said: “We know people may have had plans to hold street parties on VE Day and that these have now had to be scaled back significantly due to the lockdown.

“We really appreciate people making these sacrifices in order to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and would like to reiterate the need for everyone to keep doing their bit by socially distancing themselves from people outside of their households.

“Increased foot patrols will be taking place across the county to make sure people are celebrating sensibly.

"We are keen to support those safely celebrating VE Day but remain available to assist should reports be received of people not adhering to the lockdown rules.

“Thank you to all the people of Northamptonshire who have really helped us police this unprecedented time by staying inside and I hope we can have another weekend where the majority of people work with us to protect our NHS.”

Northamptonshire's public health boss yesterday warned against people jumping the gun by stepping out amid strong hints by politicians that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could ease the lockdown measures when he adresses the national tomorrow.

Director of Public Health Lucy Wightman said: “The people of Northamptonshire have been fantastic so far in the way they have embraced social distancing and followed the government advice.

“But until the official guidance changes it’s absolutely vital that we all keep going to protect the NHS and save lives."

To help encourage people to stay indoors, a virtual programme of events is taking place online including a bugler playing the ‘Last Post’ just before the national toast at 3pm.

The celebrations, coordinated by Northampton Borough Council, will be streamed into the evening, and can be viewed on the Mayor of Northampton’s Facebook page.

Northampton’s iconic National Lift Tower, in partnership with the Chronicle & Echo and MLE Pyrotechnics, will be lit up to the sounds of Vera Lynn’s ‘We Will Meet Again’ at 9pm.