THE leader of Colchester Council is urging residents not to flout the countrywide lockdown this weekend, however appealing some time in the spring sunshine is.

Mark Cory (Lib Dem) is hoping residents across the borough stick to the Government's strict rules and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Mr Cory said: "With the Prime Minister testing positive for coronavirus, it shows from the top down we all need to be safe.

"The support for the Clap For Carers on Thursday evening was brilliant, but we cannot just clap one night and then break the rules over the weekend.

"There will be a lag before we reach a peak of infections.

"We know hospitals in London are reaching capacity already and that is a concern.

"For these reasons I want to make sure residents do not relax social distancing rules and stay at home this weekend."

Mr Cory said he appreciates it is difficult, particularly with the weather improving over recent days, but it was absolutely necessary to keep up with Government advice as it will save lives.

"People might think they have stayed in for a few days and now they don't need to, but it could take weeks and we need to keep doing it," he said.