Swindon's public health boss and council leader have condemned a birthday party attended by 23 people in Haydon Wick. 

Partygoers were hit with £18,400 worth of fines when police turned at an address house in Primrose Close over the weekend. 

The party, which the homeowner said was for his birthday, attracted guests from as far as Lincolnshire. 

All 23 people were fined £800 for attending a gathering of more than 15 people.

READ MORE: 23 revellers hit with Covid fines worth £18,000 after Haydon Wick birthday party

Steve Maddern, Swindon Borough Council’s director of public health, labelled the party as "reckless".

He said: “I am incredibly disappointed by the reckless and irresponsible actions of these individuals, especially when so many across Swindon are diligently following the rules to protect themselves and their communities.

“A small few may feel that their actions have no impact on others but there are always consequences to all our actions, be that direct or indirect.

“I would strongly encourage any Swindon resident thinking of not complying with current ‘stay at home’ guidelines to think again.

"Our case rates are going in the right direction, but this is not the time for any of us to be complacent as we still have a long way to go in our fight against the virus.”

Swindon Borough Council leader and ward councillor David Renard slammed the partygoers but praised those still following the rules across town.

He said: "The vast majority of people in Swindon have been extremely sensible and cooperative in supporting our collective efforts to get our Covid case rates down below the regional average in recent weeks.

“However, we should all be outraged and angry when we see examples such as this when a large group is flagrantly ignoring the rules and encouraging the virus to spread, not just in Swindon, but across the country.

“I know many people who have had or are about to have their birthdays at this time of year and they are disappointed they cannot share it with friends and family, but they have done the right thing.

"I am sure they would join me in condemning this selfish behaviour, particularly when we have people dying in our local hospital from this terrible virus.”