Residents wrongly accused of self-isolating in second homes

Reports of people being confronted by strangers about their right to be in their homes have surfaced in coastal towns with a number revealing they have received anonymous notes through their doors.

One elderly woman of Goose Green Road, Gullane, was told in an unsigned letter she would be reported to the police after the accusers wrongly claimed her house was her second home.

Her local councillor Jeremy Findlay is now passing the letter, which he described as “intimidation”, to the police.

He said: “While people coming to isolate in second homes is not desirable, other people should be careful to check facts before issuing unwarranted letters or making personal comments to other residents.

“If anyone feels that someone else is not obeying the social isolation rules as laid down by the government then they should contact the police or local authority and not take matters into their own hands.”

Tom Drysdale, chairman of Gullane Area Community Council, said: “It is very unfortunate that people in the community are resorting to that sort of communication, it’s very upsetting for people.

“On the other hand people have an obligation to stick to the rules. Any people taking up residence in their second home should be discouraged. Threatening people is not part of it.”

A woman living on Melbourne Road, North Berwick, who did not want to be identified, revealed she received an anonymous letter saying, “I don’t think this is your principal residence?! You are aware of the instruction ‘stay at home’”.

She said: “My first reaction was to laugh at the absurdity of it.

“Then I was angry. Who did this person think they were? What if I had been ill or vulnerable either physically or mentally?

“This person clearly had no idea who lived here. They could have done so much damage.

“This sort of behaviour is not what North Berwick needs.”

The woman added her next door neighbour had also received a similar letter.

A week later the neighbour was asked by a stranger who came onto their drive if they lived there permanently and if the house was their permanent residence.

Judy Lockhart, chairwoman of North Berwick Community Council, said: “North Berwick Community Council were dismayed to hear that a resident in North Berwick received threatening letters during the lockdown period.

“If anyone has concerns regarding whether or not someone else is flaunting the rules, concerns should be addressed to the non-emergency police line, 101 and the police will investigate and act as necessary.”

It is not known who sent both letters and if the incidents are linked.

Reaction to both letters from the local community has been one of horror and disgust, calling it “unbelievable” and “heartbreaking”.

One individual said they had to report someone for bullying her elderly mum after they told her that she could not go into her garden and feed the birds, something she enjoys doing.

Iain Gray, MSP for East Lothian, said: “I understand the anger there has been at times over the last few weeks when people think others have flouted official guidance, but this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable.

“Nobody should be trying to take matters into their own hands during the lockdown, especially as there is every chance they won’t have the full picture on other people’s circumstances.

“If anyone has concerns about the actions of others during the lockdown they should report it to the appropriate authorities to be properly investigated.”

Police Scotland were asked to comment but had not responded by our deadline.

However, the Courier is aware “numerous calls” have been made to police in Haddington about people potentially breaching restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

Government guidelines have restricted the movement of people, with it recommended that members of the public only leave their home when necessary.

Police Constable Charlie Duncan, Haddington and Lammermuir ward officer, highlighted the ongoing situation in a report to the town’s community council.

The group had been due to meet earlier this month but postponed the meeting due to restrictions on social gatherings.

PC Duncan sent members an e-mail and said: “Given the recent regulations and guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 virus, there has been a vast reduction in anti-social behaviour reported.

“There has however been numerous calls in relation to possible breaches of these regulations and guidelines.

“These have been dealt with and suitable advice given in the first instance.”