Meet up in Mote Park, Maidstone, announced by Metin Warwick is criticised
19:00, 06 March 2021
updated: 07:57, 07 March 2021
A council has condemned a bid for a mass park meet-up tomorrow.
Metin Warwick, a barber who has previously gone against lockdown rules, suggested people congregate in Mote Park, Maidstone.
Announcing an 11am meeting time, by the cafe, he added on Facebook: "Bring family, friends, dogs, cats, kids, or just come alone because you won't feel alone when you get there."
He also included pictures of the park looking busy by the childrens' play area.
Some of his supporters said they would 'join the next meeting' while others pledged 'to be there.'
Under lockdown restrictions it is still illegal to travel away from home and meet in groups. People are allowed to meet just one other person from outside their household for exercise only.
The government does plan to ease this but not until later this month. From Monday people will also be allowed to leave home for recreation outdoors with another person from outside their household, or support bubble.
From March 29, as schools start to break up, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people or two households will be allowed.
A spokesman for Maidstone council, which manages Mote Park, said: "The council would discourage any such event and would encourage people to adhere to the rules.
"We're very close to lockdown easing, why ruin it now?
"People who are found breaching the rules will be encouraged to disperse."
Kent Police said regular patrols are undertaken and any Covid breaches would be dealt with.
Mr Warwick, 39, who previously ran King's Hill Barbers in Churchill Square, has been vocal in not agreeing with lockdown or his salon having to close.
Speaking to KentOnline at the end of last year (before children were told to stay home from school) he said: "My business will continue, simple as that. I don't agree with it, everything is a conflict of interest - kids go to school but they can't play football, plumbers can go into people's houses but I can't cut somebody's hair.
"I've got no problem at all with what people's beliefs are, what people want to stand for and if they want to abide by lockdown, but on the other flip of the coin it's none of their business what I do.
"I'm not interested in what the police have got to say, there's no law being broken, I'm not interested in anybody actually - I'm just standing as a guy on my own and that's it.
"I do not agree or consent with my business being asked to be locked down."
After trading during the November lockdown Mr Warwick was visited by Kent County Council staff and two Kent Police officers and handed a prohibition notice, which warns of fines if someone does not close a business.
He was later restricted from entering the Kings Hill building by his landlord.
Maidstone council has brought in extra restrictions at Mote Park, after concerns it was becoming overcrowded, particularly with people driving in from outside the immediate area.
At the end of last month it announced the overflow car park would be closed 'for the foreseeable future.'
