This week marked a key milestone in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

For almost three months there has been a Stay At Home message in place, restricting our movements and isolating us from friends and family.

However, thanks to everyone’s continued efforts and the continued success of the vaccination rollout, the virus rates have been brought under control and we are starting to see a relaxation of the rules.

From Monday we have been able to meet outdoors, including in private gardens, in either groups of up to six people or groups comprising of two households.

We have also been allowed to restart organised outdoor sports clubs and teams, and see the reopening of open-air swimming pools and tennis and basketball courts.

We no longer have to stay at home, we can start to venture out again and start socialising again.

I do not underestimate the impact this will have on so many people – to be reunited with loved ones once again is going to be a very special moment for families across the country.

But the Government has also urged us to be cautious and remain sensible.

Here at Wiltshire Police my officers and staff will continue to focus on being visible within our communities, engaging with people to ensure they understand the ongoing restrictions.

We will focus our enforcement efforts on those blatant breaches of the regulations, particularly large-scale gatherings and indoor parties.

I know people are likely to have specific questions about what they are and aren’t allowed to do and I would urge you to avoid contacting the police for this clarification.

Our job is to enforce the law and there is a difference between what is outlined in legislation and what is classed as Government’s guidance.

The onus is on us all to ensure we fully understand the rules.

Therefore, I am urging you all to visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus to read the latest updates and find out the answers to any questions you may have.

Finally, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our communities across Swindon and Wiltshire.

The past 12 months have been incredibly hard for us all, and I know I speak for many when I say that the third national lockdown during the start of 2021, has seemed particularly challenging.

But, if we continue to be sensible and follow the Hands, Face, Space guidance, then I hope we can all look forward to a brighter year ahead.