CLYDEBANK residents are being urged to continue sticking to the rules ahead of the easing of lockdown restrictions next week.
Scotland is set to move into level three restrictions from Monday, April 26 with hospitality businesses and non-essential retail permitted to re-open.
Meanwhile the relaxation of travel restrictions earlier this month has enabled people to head outside their local authority boundary for non-essential purposes.
Police Scotland's deputy chief constable Malcolm Graham has issued a plea to the public to act safely and responsibly as the nation returns to some form of normality.
He said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules to suppress the spread of coronavirus.
“The sacrifices people have made have allowed for further easing of regulations around travel, hospitality and non-essential retail from Monday as Scotland moves into level three restrictions.
“With the hospitality sector and non-essential shops reopening we are going to see increased traffic on our roads and more people in our towns, cities and retail parks.
“If you are visiting beauty spots then I would urge you to please do so safely and respectfully - leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access."
READ MORE: First weekend of visitor return to Loch Lomond passes smoothly
Last weekend - the first of the year in which people were able to travel freely around the mainland for day trips and other non-essential reasons - passed largely without incident in the area, with popular tourist spots in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, while busy, remaining free of incident.
DCC Graham continued: “While level three allows six people from two households to meet inside a public place, such as a café or restaurant, indoor house parties are still not permitted due to the serious risk of spreading the virus.
"Police Scotland’s approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but our officers will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.
“This approach will continue as, hopefully, restrictions continue to be eased over the coming months and we move back to a more normal way of life.”
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