AS we head towards the August Bank Holiday weekend, I am sure many of you are looking forward to an extended break from work.

It is, however, crucial that we all remember that the nationwide effort to reduce the level of Covid infection within our communities remains all of our responsibility – bank holiday or not.

I am sure you will have all seen that the government is increasing the fines for people breaching social distancing rules, not wearing a face covering in areas where it is now mandated or setting up or attending raves or unlicensed music events.

These increased financial penalties came into effect yesterday and so will be in place across the long weekend.

Although this will hopefully serve as a deterrent to some, our main focus in Wiltshire and Swindon is to engage with our communities and educate them on the latest guidance or potential sanctions should they disregard the legislation.

Along with the Chief Constable, I have been crystal clear that officers should only enforce the Covid restrictions as a last resort – when individuals are intent on showing blatant disregard for the rules established to help save lives.

This is evident in the fact that no fixed penalty notices (the fines issued by police officers to members of the public for breaching the restrictions) have been issued in our county since June.

Engaging with our communities has been brought into sharper focus in recent weeks due to the government placing Swindon on its area of concern list due to the infection rate in the SN1 and SN2 areas.

Officers, staff and volunteers in Swindon have been out and about with colleagues from Swindon Borough Council to help support the community engagement work there which is critical in the fight against Covid-19.

I would like to publicly thank them for their continued efforts in supporting the local authority.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a restful bank holiday weekend and would ask that you continue to make sensible decisions and take personal responsibility for your actions.