People have been travelling to the Lake District to stay in their second homes during the national lockdown, Cumbria Police Federation's chairman has revealed.

Although Paul Williams believed that there were genuine and lawful reasons behind this, the federation’s chief was keen to stress that Lake District second homes should not be used for holidays.

The chair said: “If somebody is just travelling to their second home for a holiday or a break, then that is unacceptable.

“We always look to see the necessity around these type of things and why people have chosen to do them.

“There may well be acceptable reasons where people have had to travel to their second home in terms of support bubbles for example.”

Mr Williams also revealed that one week this year has already seen 559 police engagements relating to Covid-19 throughout Cumbria.

The Mail: CUMBRIA: Police officers have encountered people who have been confused by the lockdown rulesCUMBRIA: Police officers have encountered people who have been confused by the lockdown rules

However, engagements can range from a friendly chat with residents to actual police enforcement.

During some police engagements, Mr Williams has stated that there have been residents who are “genuinely confused” with certain rules within the lockdown restrictions.

He explained: “I’ve spoken to cops who regularly go on Covid patrols and some people genuinely just misinterpret the rules.

“A misinterpretation is something we have to take into consideration and deal with it as it is, but people are genuinely confused and we have to be understanding of that.

“If people are in doubt, then I urge them to seek clarity.

“If there is anything that you have to ask yourself: ‘Is it necessary?' Then it probably isn’t.”

Furthermore, Mr Williams accepts that the public is now feeling “Covid fatigue,” but is calling for people to continue following the guidelines and hopes that the rollout of the vaccine will offer “light at the end of the tunnel.”