LEADERS across Test Valley have criticised two separate groups who were caught breaching lockdown rules this week.

Three teenagers were moved on by officers from Knightwood Leisure Centre, Chandler's Ford, for breaking Covid-19 restrictions on Monday evening (January 18).

Meanwhile, officers dispersed a group of three women on Tuesday, who were found in Walnut Close, Romsey, at around 11.30pm following reports of the trio's gathering.

This comes as Hampshire police complained the New Forest was packed with vehicles on Monday - some from as far afield as Guildford in Surrey.

Officers accused visitors of flouting coronavirus restrictions by travelling long distances to enjoy a day out in the Forest.

Cllr Alan Dowden, who represents Valley Park on Test Valley Borough Council, warned people not to become complacent despite the Government's vaccine rollout stepping up a gear.

He said: "Until we all get the vaccine nobody is safe, so I just wish people would pay more attention to the situation.

"The sad thing is the police are doing their best, even with their limited resources, but there isn't enough of them and I still believe it would have been far better if people at a high level, like Dominic Cummings, had set the right example to the public.

"I also think the army could have supported the police in a big way by helping to enforce the rules."

Cllr Nik Daas, who represents the Romsey Abbey ward, urged the public to continue to follow the rules by echoing Captain Tom's inspirational words, who raised more than £15.4 million for the NHS last year.

Mr Daas said: "We should all take a bit of solace from the words of Captain Tom when he said 'the sun will shine again' and I think that is really what we have to think about at the moment.

"We are in a dark time and we have to get through it until a later date when we can all be with our friends and family.

"But, right now we have got to stay safe indoors before we can go back to the good times."