THE public has been thanked for respecting the lockdown over the Easter weekend - but revealed that 123 fines were issued across the Dyfed-Powys area to those breaching the lockdown.

By comparison, only 26 fines were handed out over the four-day weekend by North Wales Police.

The Dyfed-Powys Local Resilience Forum has paid tribute to those living and working in the area for their co-operation and support over the Easter bank holiday by heeding the government legislation to stay home.

A spokesperson for the forum, which includes police, council and health leaders, said: “We know how hard it was and the sacrifices everyone made, especially as the weather was glorious, but the single most important action we can all take currently to stop the infection spreading is to stay at home, and the vast majority did just that.

“We normally see an influx of visitors to our many tourist attractions and beauty spots at this time of year – which includes those living in the area, as well as those living elsewhere. But it was evident that footfall at these types of locations was markedly reduced from what we would normally expect, and the number of people who were out and about on the weekend was minimal.

"This demonstrated that the vast majority of the public were complying with the new legislation and adapting to the new world we find ourselves in – so thank you very much.

“We don’t underestimate how extraordinary and difficult this new way of living is, but every person in Wales must comply with the new measures introduced by the Welsh Government. And the relevant authorities, including the police and local authorities, have been given the powers to enforce them – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

“Unfortunately a small minority did breach the restrictions and 123 fines were issued by the police to those who deliberately flouted the legislation.

“But through Dyfed-Powys Police’s Operation Dovecote, they provided a visible presence on our roads during the weekend, and checked on people’s movements to reassure our communities and the vast majority that did comply, as this causes serious concern during this health crisis.”