Tourists told to stay away from resort
A CALL has been made for people to practise social distancing after a Yorkshire seaside resort attracted large numbers of tourists over the weekend.
A senior councillor said she was shocked at how busy Scarborough was, despite Friday’s announcement that bars, restaurants and cafes must close and that people should maintain a safe distance between each other.
The deputy leader of Scarborough Borough Council Coun Liz Colling has urged people “to take our collective responsibility to protect each other seriously”.
She said: “I was shocked at how busy our seafront areas were yesterday and that many hospitality businesses were open for business, despite the warning given by Government last Friday evening.
“Please stop and think about the very serious nature of the ongoing situation and how vital it is that we all follow the official guidance.
“It is not worth putting yourself and those around you at risk.”
People flocked to Scarborough, Filey and Whitby on Saturday and yesterday. There were reports of long queues outside cafes on seafront areas as people made the most of the good weather.
The Government has ordered all restaurants and cafes not to allow people to sit inside but have said they can operate takeaway services.
Coun Colling said: “It is incumbent on all of us to work together to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“I hope I can count on everyone’s support to do what is right for our borough and our country at this very challenging time.”
John Senior, chairman of the South Bay Traders Association Scarborough (SBTA), joined in the plea for people to stay at home and businesses to close after speaking with Mike Greene, CEO of Scarborough Council.
He said: “Mike Greene has asked that all non-essential businesses close with immediate effect.
“As Chairman of the SBTA Scarborough I am asking all of our members to close immediately in order to remove the temptation for unnecessary gatherings and help support the fight against Covid-19.
“Don’t forget that once this damned thing is beaten our beautiful North Yorkshire Coast will still be here for you to enjoy and we all look forward to welcoming you back as soon as is safe, in the meantime please stay safely at home.”
Several Facebook users shared their fears that so many people visiting the towns would encourage the spread of coronavirus.
One posted: “I’m sick of it, honestly. People round here abiding to the rules, then visitors are cramming the town at weekend – it’s sheer madness and spoiling for the ones are doing all they can.”
And one said: “It is people like this that are going to cause the Government to eventually just put a total lock down in place and restrict all movements. Selfish.”
Bill Taylor and Julie Galliard, both 72, were shocked to see huge crowds at Whitby, Sleights and Robin Hood’s Bay on Saturday.
Although cafes, bars and restaurants can no longer open to sit-in customers, many businesses are offering takeaway services.
“My partner and I drove through Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and Sleights at lunchtime and were astonished at the ‘Bondi Beach’ crowds roaming around as if it was just another lovely spring Saturday by the seaside,” said Mr Taylor.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority was forced to issue a statement cautioning people against visiting the Dales after the area was inundated with tourists on Saturday.
Dr Meg Crossley, an A&E doctor at Airedale Hospital who lives in Malham, posted on Facebook that she had seen “hundreds of people” in the village eating and drinking close to each other.
She urged people to “go for a walk somewhere quiet”.
I was shocked at how busy our seafront areas were.
Coun Liz Colling, deputy leader of Scarborough Borough Council.