THE RETURN of Netflix show Sex Education to Penarth at the height of lockdown has caused a significant stir in the town.

After crews – filming series three of the popular show – were seen at Cosmeston Lakes and the Paget Rooms over the last week, some residents were angered over what they considered “one rule for us and another for them”.

Under government regulations film crews are allowed to travel to work, but residents cannot travel by vehicle anywhere for exercise.

Residents including Sue Thomas, who lives near Cosmeston, said they were frustrated to see filming crews enjoying Cosmeston while visitors can’t travel there by vehicle.

Penarth Times: Filming vehicles at Cosmeston. Picture: Becky LewisFilming vehicles at Cosmeston. Picture: Becky Lewis

She said: “I’m shocked to see film crews and coaches, a tent, and to hear that people have come from Bristol to film.

“How are they allowing this to take place? Especially as the police are stopping cars entering the park. Is it due to revenue?

“I think it’s completely wrong of the Vale council to allow this at this time, during what should be a strict lockdown.”

Local journalist Anna Brees said: “What’s crazy is that the police are stopping people from coming here. You’re not allowed to drive here unless you’re working.

“Does that make sense? Entertainment programmes are not news.”

Naomi Best, who said she felt compelled to respond when seeing criticism of the crews on social media, said: “Filming companies are places of work that have to keep going. If we still have TV and theatres in a few years time we will be lucky.

They are one of the hardest hit professions.

“Personally I think it’s fantastic, and as an ex-drama student, it’s exciting to see how much of this area is seen on TV and movies that don’t just get seen in the UK but all over the world.

Penarth Times: Sex Education in the Paget Rooms. Picture: NetflixSex Education in the Paget Rooms. Picture: Netflix

“My aunt and uncle visited from Australia for the first time ever and instantly recognised my parents’ house and our cars from Born to Kill [recently filmed in the area] that they’d watched just before leaving Australia and without knowing it was filmed on our street.

“Please don’t be angry or upset with businesses working. It might not be the office you see as normal, but to them it is a normal working day.”

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “Filming is permitted under Alert Level Four restrictions. All cast and crew members will adhere to safety guidelines whilst working on a film set. Cosmeston car park is being used as a base for a crew who are filming nearby. The car park remains open for local residents to walk through when undertaking exercise from home or drive to if they cannot reasonably walk to exercise from home.”

Sex Education was meant to begin filming in April but didn’t enter production until September and filming has just begun.