THE council leader fears people across the area are starting to break lockdown rules after Boris Johnson announced changes to guidelines in England.

Councillor Stephen McCabe said he had received a number of complaints in the past week about residents flouting the stay-at-home guidelines set out by the Scottish Government.

Despite a slight easing of the lockdown in England, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly stressed the coronavirus guidance in Scotland has not changed.

Scots can now enjoy unlimited exercise outside, but all other rules remain in place until further notice.

Cllr McCabe said he has passed complaints he has received onto the police.

But he admits that he is concerned residents will start bending the rules due to conflicting messages either side of the border.

Mr McCabe said: “My main concern at the moment is people flouting lockdown rules.

“In the past week I have received a number of complaints from members of the public who are concerned local residents are increasingly breaking the rules.

“I have passed these complaints onto the police to address.

“There is a significant danger, however, the changes announced by the Prime Minister will lead to people in Inverclyde and across Scotland becoming less willing to strictly adhere to the rules here.

“I think it is crucially important people in Inverclyde are reminded that, in Scotland, the message is still very much ‘stay home, protect our NHS and save lives’.”

The Scottish Government has said people should only leave home for basic necessities such as food or medicine, daily exercise, travelling to work where it is not possible to work from home, caring for a vulnerable person or taking dogs out for walks.

People should continue to stay local when they are doing exercise and should still not meet up with anyone from other households.