Isles of Scilly residents slam 'mindless selfish people' trying to flee mainland tier restrictions

The archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is the final area left in tier one after the majority of England plunged into Tier Four

Drinkers have been able to visit the island's Mermaid Pub, one of the few open in the country
Drinkers have been able to visit the island's Mermaid Pub, one of the few open in the country Credit: SWNS/Chris Hall

Isles of Scilly residents have complained about “mindless selfish people” escaping from the mainland to the last remaining bastion of Tier One restrictions.

The archipelago off the coast of Cornwall, which boasts just 2,000 residents, is the final area left in tier one after the majority of the rest of England plunged into Tier Four yesterday.

Residents and leaders expressed their relief to have escaped from the tighter rules, but admitted concern that people may try to escape to the islands’ relative peace.

On Christmas Eve five people were turned back at St Mary's airport after flying to the Isles of Scilly from tier four areas, according to local police.

Linda Thomas, a 69-year-old librarian from St Mary’s, said there was “no time for jubilation” due to the risk of the virus making its way to the islands which only have one small hospital.

She said: “Having seen our family and friends in Cornwall go from a Tier 1 to a Tier 3 in under a week because of mindless selfish people from higher tiers travelling down is very disturbing.

"We know that some of these people were heading to the islands and I have no doubt that some made it."

Another islander, Barbara Simpson, 78, told the Press Association: "Those who freely admit they have come to Scilly to get away from the virus obviously have no idea (or don't care) of the risk they pose to us.

"The total lack of awareness and arrogance of these people is staggering."

The Council of the Isles of Scilly urged islanders to stay local for New Year’s Eve celebrations, despite pubs being allowed to open.

A spokesman added: “We strongly urge anyone planning to travel to the islands against this advice to reconsider, in light of what bringing the virus to the islands could mean for our community, particularly at this time of year."

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