Bucks Council warn against trick or treating this Halloween

Buckinghamshire residents are being reminded to follow Coronavirus legislation this Halloween.

Local people are being warned that trick or treating could allow coronavirus to spread by Buckinghamshire Council.

Instead, they are being asked to celebrate in different ways.

Mark Shaw is a Bucks Council Cabinet member:

"You can look at decorating your house inside, maybe each room has a different thee. Carving pumpkins with your friends over video calls, so youre doing it together but in your own homes.

"Or you can do what I am going to do... Put a horror movie on with the kids, turn the lights off and scare the bejeezus out of them and me.

"The more cross contamination you have, the more chance the virus will spread."

Some people have taken to making individual treat bags, either to hand out or leave outside.

However, the council warn this could still result in coronavirus spreading and would advise people not to do this.

Instead, they suggest looking at local groups for alternatives.

One could be joining a pumpkin hunt, where families walk around their neighbourhood in the day time and spot pumpkins (real or printed), and treats can be given for every one spotted.

Thames Valley Police have also been sharing posters for people to put in their shop/home windows.

They include warnings about a businesses right to refuse egg and flour to anyone.

These items are commonly used on houses at Halloween, either as a 'trick' or a prank.

However, Mark says its really important we respect what our neighbours have decided to do this year:

"It's really important people are respectful of others, I have to say now more than ever.

"What we want is to adhere to peoples wishes and what we don't want is the virus to spread."

Coronavirus restrictions also mean regular gatherings and firework displays have been cancelled, which again is a worry for the council and emergency services.

On this topic, Mark explained that this is not the time to test out home fireworks if you are inexperienced.

Even those who have used fireworks before are reminded to make sure they are from established sellers with the proper markings and instructions.