Windy weather deters sunseekers as city park stays quiet

Cloudy weather put rest to fears that Norwich’s parks would be packed over the bank holiday weekend.

Norwich Evening News: People relaxing in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY People relaxing in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Earlier this week, photographs showed families crowding into the city’s Earlham Park, enjoying the week’s sunny weather.

Norwich Evening News: Chance for a paddle in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Chance for a paddle in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

But mixed - and often gusty- conditions appeared to have kept many at home this weekend, with the city park falling largely quiet.

Norwich Evening News: Nine-year-old Jake Barnes gets some speed up as he scooters in the river in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Nine-year-old Jake Barnes gets some speed up as he scooters in the river in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Though there was more footfall in the city centre, that too was peaceful as the majority of shops remained closed.

Norwich Evening News: A family cycling in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY A family cycling in Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Towards the end of last week, Norfolk police moved to remind people of the Protect Norfolk campaign, which has been launched by emergency services, councils and healthcare bosses in a bid to remind people to continue doing their bit to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Norwich Evening News: A few people out and about in Norwich city centre on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY A few people out and about in Norwich city centre on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Wvendth encouraged people to “be sensible and let’s protect ourselves and protect Norfolk”.

Norwich Evening News: Police patrol as a few people were out and about in Norwich city centre on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Police patrol as a few people were out and about in Norwich city centre on Saturday <23.5.20> of the spring bank holiday. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)