POLICE forces up and down the country approached last weekend with apprehension and uncertainty.

The reopening of bars and pubs prompted concerns about how the public would react and whether it would be possible for revellers to stick to the social distancing rules.

I know that forces elsewhere faced serious issues with large street parties and drunken disorder, but I’m pleased to say that here in Wiltshire the weekend passed without serious incident.

The vast majority of those who took advantage of the opportunity to meet friends for a drink or eat out with their family for the first time in months, did so safely and respectfully.

We had extra police officers out on patrol across the county, who worked with partners from other agencies such as trading standards, and the overall picture was one of compliance and responsibility.

In total we made just three arrests for disorder relating to the night-time economy, and six arrests for drink-driving.

Across the whole Force area there were 40 incidents linked to the reopening of bars and pubs, which is a relatively normal picture for a Saturday night in Wiltshire.

So I want to say a huge thank you to the people of Swindon and Wiltshire.

We have spoken a lot about personal responsibility and how important that has become as the lockdown restrictions have eased.

Last weekend was a fantastic example of how we can adjust to our new normal if everyone is committed to behaving in a sensible way.

I also want to say a huge thank you to all the staff, landlords and business owners who may have been feeling the same apprehension that we did, but worked so hard to make things as safe as possible.

It is clear that COVID19 has not “gone away” and we cannot be complacent.

But our local economy relies on businesses being able to start reopening, and I know that people are keen to start getting out and about more after so many weeks of staying at home.

Our increased presence around bars and pubs will continue over the next weekend as more premises open so please don’t be alarmed if you see more officers on patrol if you head out for a drink.

Now is not the time to start to allow complacency to edge forwards, now is the time to maintain the highest levels of personal responsibility. We will get through this together, so long as we act responsibly.

I hope that if we continue this joined up approach and all work together, then we can all enjoy a safe and socially-distanced summer over the coming months.