The owner of an ice cream shop in Largs is urging people to stay at home after he was shocked to see the promenade in the town “rammed” on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Claudio Nardini made the plea on social media, announcing he would completely close the cafe to prevent “contributing to the madness”, after the public were advised to keep a distance to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
He had opened Nardini at the Moorings in North Ayrshire on Saturday to provide a takeaway service following Government advice for all pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes to close, but said he was “overcome with a strange feeling of guilt” after seeing how busy it was.
He said: “I should have been overjoyed, the till was ringing constantly and coffees and ice creams were flying out the door.
“I wasn’t because it reminded me of the images my family and friends were sending me only a couple of weeks ago and now look where they’re at.
“I sent them a photo of today’s packed prom and they couldn’t believe it especially when we should be using their recent experience as an example.”
The business owner also said he had been talking regularly with family in Italy and Spain where a “nonchalant attitude was rife” only a few weeks ago.
He said seeing this kind of behaviour in Largs was “a real eyeopener”.
He added: “I can’t believe how busy the prom was.
“Crowds of people walking hand in hand, hugging, grandmothers holding babies, teenagers sharing drinks, elderly people galore mingling with others of all ages.
“Wow! Just wow!”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
