CLEAR SKIES and sunshine prompted people in Swindon to visit the town’s parks and shops to enjoy the warmer temperatures and pick up a few essentials.

This followed the government outlining a four-step plan to safely ease restrictions which will allow the UK to move out of the third and, it is hoped, final lockdown.

Though Swindon’s green spaces and town centre were busier than usual, people made an effort to stick to social distancing guidelines.

But this caused a heated debate among Adver readers on Facebook...

NATASHA STANIFORD: “How nice to see people out in this lovely weather.”

MARK PEARSON: “We’re still in lockdown, no wonder why the rates are rising again.”

NAS MITCH: “People are allowed to exercise, get a grip.”

PATTI BENSON: “Lydiard was busy early this morning, lots of people had the same idea of going out before it gets busy. 

“The first bit of warmth we’ve had in ages, people are going to go out for fresh air.”

JILL COUBOROUGH: “Same as they had to flock out to enjoy the snow a few weeks ago.

“Don’t complain when we get put under further restrictions. I’m fed up as well but I’m following guidelines, despite living in a flat with no outdoor area or garden and only going out to go to my supermarket job.”

TASHA SMITH: “Nice to see people enjoying the sunshine.”

GILL WRIGHT: “Too many people in one place. Lockdown means just that and exercise should start on foot from your front door, not a car drive.”

NIKKI MATTHEWS: “Families with kids need to get out in this lovely weather. Been trapped for so long.”

KEITH HUCKFIELD: “I love how people are acting like criticising this is being negative when we are in the middle of a pandemic and have the highest death toll in Europe, as well as Swindon’s cases rising.”

JAMES CAMERON: “Let them get on with their lives while you stay at home. If what the government are saying is true, I should’ve had it at least four or five times because I’m always out “

GARY SELBY: “Don’t worry, as long as they don’t lean over and give you a big kiss, I think the world will be alright!”

HEATHER WARE: “There’s nothing wrong with going out for a walk for God’s sake. So long as people are sensible.”

HAYLEY LEINSTER-POOLE: “I’m pleased to see so many people out and about. It’s a bit of normality. 

“People are allowed to leave their homes and getting out is essential to your health and mental wellbeing. I’ve loved being able to go for a walk in the sunshine this weekend, hope everyone else enjoyed it too.”

POLLY FENNELL: “I go out, wear a mask, social distance and sanitise so I’m following all the rules. Sunshine, fresh air and outdoor space is what we need to do.

“People have forgotten how to be kind and respect we are not all isolated and shielding vulnerable adults. We have a life to live.”

JOANNA LUDLOW: “We all can’t stay locked up in our houses. I have small children, we need to get out.”

PAUL STEWART: “I wonder if people would think the same after meeting families who have lost or still got family in a hospital with Covid or one of their own dying from Covid – just saying.”

AMANDA AKEHURST: “We have been to Coate Water for a lovely walk, had a cup of tea and something to eat. 

“There were a lot of people but everybody was well spaced out, including the queue for the cafe. I get depressed sometimes because of everything that’s going on so I need my days out. I also work at the hospital. “

LEAH ANGEL: “We can’t stay locked in forever. People with children need to get out. I went to Queens Park, it was lovely and some people were wearing masks and keeping distance, so it wasn’t bad. 

“Lovely weather to take kids for a walk around.”

KYLA DEAN: “Went to Lydiard Park and everyone looked to be complying with social distancing, either on the kids playground, walking the dog, strolling by the lake.

“Load of miserable people putting negative comments because they don’t like to see others enjoying themselves safely!”