Hampshire County Council is urging staff to follow the coronavirus guidelines after pictures emerged of employees allegedly celebrating New Year's Eve. 

The images, posted to social media, were passed to the police for a possible Covid-19 rule break.

An Andover parent claimed the post showed three members of staff from Roman Way Primary School, in Roman Way, and Knights Enham Infant School, in King Arthurs Way.

A spokesman for Hampshire County Council, the authority responsible for the schools, said it is 'critical' people adhere to the guidance and confirmed the schools were investigating. 

Andover Advertiser:

In a statement, they said: "It is critical that people adhere to the official guidance around helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

"We can confirm that we have been informed about the matter raised and will be supporting the schools, as appropriate, in their response to the issue.

"It is not possible, for reasons of confidentiality to comment on that in any detail. To limit the need for enforcement, we would urge everyone to ensure they understand the important steps they must take to keep themselves and each other safe.

"Latest information and advice from Government can be found online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.”

A parent at Roman Way Primary School, who has asked to remain anonymous, sent various photographs which had been posted to Facebook, appearing to show several people celebrating the New Year together inside, with the caption: “…great New Year’s with these people. Xmas bubble, childcare bubble, house moving bubble, food delivery bubble, hospital transporter bubble…not seen anyone else…all I need to say.” 

The parent added: “The post clearly shows a New Year’s Eve party indoors with zero social distancing and zero regards to ours and other children and families.”

Andover was in Tier 4 on New Year’s Eve, meaning mixing indoors with anyone outside of your household or support bubble was not allowed.

Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, was also sent the photographs.

He told the Advertiser: “I can confirm I received an email from a member of the public earlier this evening [January 2] alleging a breach of the Covid rules on gatherings.

“As you know the police have the powers to investigate and take action on this matter. I therefore advised the resident to report the alleged breach to the police and share any evidence they had with them.”