‘It’s a bit scary’ - Concerns in Norwich over easing of coronavirus lockdown

Paula Taylor, owner of the Cheeseman stall on Norwich Market serving Manon Drogz. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

On the first weekend after Boris Johnson’s stay alert announcement some people in the city centre, Chapelfield Gardens and Waterloo Park believed these areas were busier than in previous weeks.

Gentleman's Walk in Norwich at lunchtime on Saturday, May 16. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

MORE: Framework to ease Norwich out of lockdown revealedPaula Taylor, owner of the Cheeseman stall on Norwich Market, said: “There seems to be more people walking about but I think there are some people who don’t think social distancing rules apply. It is a bit scary. Our customers have been brilliant with social distancing. I think we will get a second wave of coronavirus cases. You give the people a bit of freedom and they want more.”

Red Lion Street in Norwich on Saturday, May 16, 2020, a week after coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Customer and teacher Manon Drogz, 66, who usually works in London but moved to Norwich before lockdown to look after her husband, said: “I don’t want to go back to London. I feel safe here in Norwich. The rules over the easing of the restrictions are a massive contradiction. I want it to be done more intelligently.”

Davide Lombardi, 38, with his two-year-old son Alessandro in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Matthew Chambers, 54, and his husband Mark Humphries, 56, who live on the old Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, said: “The city is getting busier. There is nowhere for people to go, they seem to gravitate towards parks. It seems to be the meeting place for idiots. The relaxation of lockdown is utter chaos, contradictory and sends out mixed messages. The government has abdicated responsibilty to the public.”

Leanne Jewell with her two-year-old daighter Ella Goreham-Jewell in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Davide Lombardi, 38, from Old Barley Market in Norwich, who was in Chapelfield Gardens with his two-year-old son, said the park was a lot busier on Saturday, compared with previous weeks.

Raymond Sadd on his daily exercise in Waterloo Park, Norwich, a week after coronavirus restrictions were eased. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

MORE: How do I make one? When should I wear one? All you need to know about face masksHe said: “It is time to unlock something but we need to be cautious. My concern is more people using the park benches.”

People enjoying Waterloo Park in Nowich on Saturday, May 16, 2020, a week after coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Furloughed waitress, Leanne Jewell, 42, from Newmarket Street, who was in the park with her two-year-old daughter, said: “The city is getting a bit busier but people are still being cautious. Norwich has taken well to the restrictions. We are lucky we have the space.”

A couple of cyclists in Waterloo Park, Norwich, on May 16, 2020. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Raymond Sadd, an office home worker, who was cycling in Waterloo Park, said: “There are not many more people here today compared with normal. Lockdown needs to be eased slowly. Boris Johnson’s announcement was a bit wishy-washy.”

Chapelfield Gardens in Norwich on May 16, 2020, a week after coronavirus lockdown restirctions were eased. Picture: Sophie Wyllie (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

For the latest COVID-19 news, visit the Norfolk Coronavirus Updates Facebook page.

Click here to find out more about the EDP’s Here to Help campaign.

You can also subscribe to our daily coronavirus newsletter, providing all the latest from where you live.