Northamptonshire Police put themselves in spotlight with another Facebook Q&A

Northamptonshire Police are putting themselves in the spotlight for a Facebook Q&A session answering the public's questions and concerns over the "Rule of Six".

Chief Constable Nick Adderley's weekly Thursday teatime social media sessions during the national Covid-19 lockdown were hugely popular when they started back in March.

Top of the list of questions is likely to surround a Horse Fair going ahead on private land near Wellingborough last month despite videos posted on social media appearing to show hundreds crammed in to a marquee singing and dancing.

Tomorrrow's event is the 13th and follows on from Prime Minister Boris Johnson tightening restrictions in response to rising coronavirus infections.

New regulations are enforceable by law and police have the power to issue £100 fines, doubling up to £3,200 for repeat offenders.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: "Our Assistant Chief Constable James Andronov and Superintendent Elliot Foskett will answer any questions about the changes limiting social gatherings.

"If you can't join us live, you can submit questions in advance via our Facebook page and you'll also be able to re-watch the whole broadcast after it's finished."

New rules set out by the Government stipulate that gatherings must be limited to six people both indoors and outside, in private homes, public outdoor spaces and venues such as pubs and restaurants.

Earlier this week Superintendent Foskett, said: “We will continue to take a proportionate approach to enforcing the law, engaging with groups to explain the importance of stopping the virus spreading and encourage compliance, before moving to enforcement, should they continue to flout the law.

"We are appealing for the public’s support in following the new guidance. The Government has introduced these regulations in a bid to prevent us returning to a full lockdown, something we all want to avoid.

“If you are concerned that someone isn’t following the guidance we ask that you report it to us via our website northants.police.uk. Crime and incident numbers are at pre-Covid levels and it is vital that we are able to answer emergency calls from the public who require urgent assistance.”

Legal exemptions to the six-person rule apply and permit certain gatherings in any number, for example where your household or support bubble is larger than six, where gatherings are for work or education purposes, or where parenting is being shared across multiple households.

Thursday's Facebook Live event starts at 4.30pm — follow THIS LINK to submit your question and join in.

Further exemptions also apply, such as for weddings and funerals which are limited to 30 persons, and organised team sports and events conducted in a Covid Secure way with agreed risk assessments in place. The full list of exemptions and criteria are available to view here.