DRIVERS have flouted rules by using a Malvern Hills car park which was closed more than a week ago in a bid to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Malvern Hills Trust shut all of its parking sites on March 27 to “to prevent the public congregating at tourist hotspots.”

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However, the police team in Malvern have posted images on social media, showing leaflets being left on cars whose drivers have ignored the closure, warning drivers to “stay at home” and “save lives”.

Officers said visitors on Sunday were from Worcester, Evesham, Solihull and Leamington Spa.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said people can leave their homes for essential purposes, including exercise, but police have the power to take action against people not sticking to the rules such as dispersing groups and issuing fines. People have been told they should exercise locally - not drive to beauty spots - in a bid to control the coronavirus pandemic by preventing the virus from spreading.