Council staff abused by public driving to beach

COUNCIL workers were abused while managing traffic by daytrippers who flocked to Durdle Door last weekend, according to a council leader.

Thousands of people headed to the beauty spot at Lulworth before the beach was closed when a man was seriously injured tombstoning off the famous arch into the sea.

An air ambulance landed on the beach, forcing the crowds that had gathered there to take cover and break social distancing guidelines.

Now, more details have emerged of the behaviour exhibited by many on the Jurassic Coast last weekend.

Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council, says Lulworth was left covered in litter while people urinated and defecated in public and lit barbecues and campfires, despite being warned not to.

He said: “Last weekend saw issues in popular destinations with littering, people urinating and defecating in public, people camping overnight and people having dangerous campfires and barbecues – despite extensive warnings against this from all local agencies.

“We were very disappointed to see huge numbers of visitors ignoring manned roadblocks. Council employees were abused by the members of the public as they tried to manage the traffic. This is not acceptable.

“We are meeting with stakeholders this week, including MPs, landowners and police to agree a plan which we hope will help manage the huge visitor numbers to the Lulworth area.”

There were also issues at Bournemouth as thousands of people packed onto the beach amid claims social distancing guidelines were being ignored.

Vikki Slade, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, added: “Everyone without exception needs to think twice before visiting, take responsibility for

their actions and respect the social distancing guidance.

“Whilst most people behaved sensibly, it is clear that many did not. Our bins were not at capacity along the seafront, yet people left ten tonnes of litter on our beaches.

“Our parking restrictions are clear, yet people parked dangerously on double yellow lines and pavements, blocked driveways and made it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass.

“We have many toilets open, yet people relieved themselves behind our beach huts.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable at any time, and particularly when we are all still urged to stay home as much as possible and observe social distancing.

“We will continue to work with all agencies to manage this situation and to prevent any reoccurrence.”

Police are urging people to avoid beauty spots across Dorset this weekend amid fears the actions of those who enjoyed day trips could put an unnecessary strain on the emergency services.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Dorset Police, said: “Despite the fact the Government is asking people to stay at home whenever possible, demand on policing in the county is as high now as it was the same time last year before the pandemic.

“Incidents such as the ones we dealt with at Durdle Door mean our officers are unable to respond as quickly to other priority calls and incidents.

“We yet again urge people to act responsibly, use their common sense, and make the moral decision to go home if an area looks too busy.

“Personal responsibility is key as we all enjoy these new freedoms. For those who are able to leave their homes as a result of the changes, think carefully about where you are going and how you will be able to keep your distance from others.

“Keep in mind the purpose of the regulations and the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.

“We would strongly urge visitors to avoid the Lulworth area and be prepared for all popular destinations in Dorset to be very busy.

“If an area is busy and social distancing can’t be maintained, then people should ask themselves ‘is it safe? is it fair?’ and to head home.

“The relaxation on government guidelines is not a green light to flock to tourist hotspots, national advice is still to stay at home as much as possible.”

JIM MASON