Penarth Nub News has received a number of reports about local residents getting involved in the policing of the coronavirus lockdown and the problems this is causing for key workers.

A local GP, who wishes to remain anonymous, described a threatening letter from an unknown sender that was posted on their car.

The doctor has spent the past few weeks working 12-hour shifts to provide essential health care to the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The letter complained that children of the doctor were seen by members of the public socialising with one person more than the current restriction allowed for.

The GP explained that they had been appropriately spoken to after the incident and were apologetic and promised they would not do it again.

But she was not happy about the aggressive way that the complaint was made. The letter included threats to her job, family and livelihood. It also said that the doctor's family was now being filmed to gather evidence. According to the doctor, the letter contained numerous false accusations.

Prior to the letter, she was unaware that her children had broken the rules about socialising during the health emergency.

Nub's view is that we are more likely to overcome the problems of the coronavirus pandemic by showing kindness and compassion.

We can be proud of the many ways in which our community has come together in so many positive ways over the past couple of weeks.

The right way to challenge behaviour which is out of line with regulations is to show concern but to do so in a respectful manner.

The doctor's main point stands that speaking to each other kindly and openly is better for everyone involved and the situation can then be dealt with in a respectful and decent way.

Another Penarth resident, who works for Asda, has also faced similar problems. After returning from a 5 am – 11 am shift this morning, necessary to keep the supply of food open for the benefit of everyone. As he approached his own home, the Asda worker was confronted by a neighbour demanding an explanation of his movements.

He said: ''I had just got home from an early shift when a neighbour called me over. They asked why I was in and out of the house so often and why I wasn't respecting the rules of the lockdown.

''I tried to explain that I had been working but it was falling on deaf ears at that point.

''They had a bit of a go and it was not until they were finished that I could show them my badge and prove that I was, in fact, returning from work.

''I understand completely that people are worried and want the community to be safe, but the rude attitude was not what I wanted to return home to after putting myself at risk every day in the environment I work in.

''We have to work together as a community to get through this and even though I am not in the NHS I still have to go to work every morning.''

Compare this neighbour's response to a supermarket shift worker with another. A Tesco employee was stopped by the police to ask him where he was going before a shift. He showed ID and the police apologised for stopping him.

The police, of course, are trained to deal with this situation and have the enforcement powers to act if that is warranted.

South Wales Police made a statement about enforcement last week. They said: ''We have been given new powers to enforce Government restrictions on travel and public gatherings to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

''Our message to the public remains clear, you must comply with the restrictions announced by the Prime Minister based on the severity of the Coronavirus outbreak.

''To ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel if members of the public do not comply officers may:

• Instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse

• Ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules

• Issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

• Issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second-time offenders.

''However, in the first instance, police officers will always apply their common sense and discretion and explain the restrictions and encourage voluntary compliance. If faced with non-compliance, officers will use enforcement if it is necessary and proportionate.''

Chief Constable Matt Jukes said: ''The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.

''We hope that the vast majority of our communities will recognise the need to follow the guidelines and stay at home.

''South Wales Police has a track record of maintaining public order and safety in huge events and at times of emergency. We have always done so positively, with pride and professionalism.

''We will continue to do what we do best – engage with people. We will ask them to support their communities and stick to these important restrictions.

''As the public would expect, we will also utilise the new legislation when necessary where individuals show a total disregard for the restrictions which have been put in place to save lives.

''Police officers and other staff who you may speak to in the coming weeks are working to keep you and your families safe and well. They also have families to go home to."

If anyone is majorly concerned about the activities of anyone else, including any neighbour's, they can report this directly to the police using this link here.