Covid-19: Beauty spot visitors blasted as 'irresponsible' for ignoring social distancing guidance

Official government advice to tackle the coronavirus pandemic says people can go outdoors to open spaces for exercise as long as they don't gather in groups and maintain at least three metres distance from all others at all times.

But video circulating on social media shows visitors openly flouting the advice and parking their cars up to go walking near Fairy Glen in Appley Bridge yesterday..

The resident who posted the video, who preferred not to be named, said: "I was going out to do some shopping for my pregnant daughter yesterday, and it was when we were driving back that we saw a lot of cars parked up near Fairy Glen and people getting out of them with their dogs.

"So my wife filmed it all. We understand that people need to go out and get fresh air and exercise but Fairy Glen is quite a small area and there was a big crowd there.

"People need to stay in and follow the advice as it's making it more likely that the government will put us into lockdown.

"People have to try and stay away, so they're not spreading this virus."

Coun David Whittington, who represents the area on West Lancashire Borough Council, said that people needed to follow government advice.

He said: "Areas like Fairy Glen should remain open where possible but people need to be following advice when in these areas. If they don't, then they won't have access to them.

"All these cars parked up near Fairy Glen is just irresponsbile, as if people see an area is busy, they should go somewhere else. Otherwise things like this will only spread the virus and cost lives.

"I hope the government doesn't put us into lockdown but this will be more likely if people don't change their behaviour."

The crowds at Fairy Glen were one of many large gatherings on display across parks and rural areas in the UK, with similar scenes in Lytham St Annes and in areas of the North Wales.

While at Wigan's Tesco Extra, video shows people queuing outside the supermarket from 9am.

It comes as health secretary Matt Hancock described people who ignored government advice aimed at tackling the virus as "very selfish."

He said the government was willing to take "more action" if needed to stop the virus from spreading.

Extensive information on how to help combat Covid-19 can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus