Resorts braced for ‘unwanted visitors’

THE Westcountry was braced for a tsunami of visitors over this bank holiday weekend, and fearful that the unwanted influx could bring with it a new Covid-19 spike.

In contrast to bank holidays in previous years, tourist bodies and residents of coastal towns urged sunseekers to stay away a little bit longer.

But already the beaches and beauty spots across Devon and Cornwall were being overwhelmed by people seizing the opportunity to get out after weeks of being stuck indoors.

Cornwall Council said it was a time for extra safety vigilance. Cabinet member Cllr Rob Nolan appealed to visitors not to overwhelm beaches.

He said: “Some restrictions about exercising have been lifted, but we have no lifeguard cover yet, so beach safety is a real concern. On a busy beach social distancing is also a problem, and in the car parks.”

Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park chiefs urged visitors to act responsibly and be considerate of others, and to leave BBQs at home.

The empty roads of the long lockdown have encouraged some motorists to abandon care and drive too quickly. Police warned that officers would be out on the roads this weekend.

Chief Inspector Steve Lenney, head of roads policing across Dorset,

Devon and Cornwall, said: “Over the past two months we’ve seen a significant reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads as a result of lockdown measures reducing the number of vehicles travelling. However, we have seen examples where some drivers have used the lack of traffic to drive in an unsafe way, or travel at significantly excessive speeds, which can often result in tragedy.”

PEOPLE are being urged to stay away from beauty spots this Bank Holiday weekend, in spite of the slight easing of lockdown measures.

Tourist bodies and residents of coastal towns are fearing a tsunami of frustrated families seizing the opportunity after weeks of being stuck indoors.

Cornwall Council said it was a time extra safety vigilance.

Cabinet member Cllr Rob Nolan, said: “Some restrictions about exercising have been lifted, but we have no lifeguard cover yet, so beach safety is a real concern.

“Please heed the advice of our colleagues in the Coastguard and RNLI, and despite the obvious attractions of a day at the beach, think twice before going into or on the water.

“On a busy beach social distancing is also a problem, and in the car parks.”

He appealed to visitors not to overwhelm beaches. “Facilities such as public toilets aren’t open yet, and with no trained lifeguards in post on the shore any coastal incidents risk calling out a lifeboat crew. This is unnecessary and means a Covid-19 contact risk for both victims and rescuers.”

A large coastal swell and a spring tide are combining this weekend to bring hazardous sea conditions to the South West.

Anyone who ventures out should check the weather and tide reports, keep an eye on their families and should not use inflatables, the RNLI said.

Edmund King, the AA president, suggested it is “not surprising” that thousands of day trippers will want to enjoy some of the best surf beaches in the UK.

He said: “Whilst understanding the frustrations of the police and locals, it is obviously difficult for individuals to know how busy an area would be until they get there.”

Calling for the rules to be clarified in order to take pressure off picturesque coastal and rural areas, he said: “Perhaps the Government should have delayed easing leisure trips until after the bank holiday to avoid this situation, but drivers should also think about how far they need to travel to enjoy the great outdoors safely.”

Train operator GWR asked customers to use its services only if really necessary, freeing up space for essential journeys.

Social distancing guidance means that seats have been blocked off and trains can only carry about a tenth of the usual number of passengers.

Exmoor National Park has urged visitors to do what they can to stop the spread of coronavirus on the moor this coming Bank Holiday weekend and during the half term week following.

The authority’s chief executive, Sarah Bryan, said: “During these difficult times, farmers are working hard to provide food and care for the countryside, so it’s vital we keep their wellbeing in mind.”

Dartmoor National Park chiefs urged visitors to act responsibly and be considerate of others, and to leave BBQs at home.

Visitors continued to pour on to Dartmoor yesterday, raising fears that social distancing rules will be ignored.

A woman motorist captured on film the car park at Cadover Bridge, which was already at full capacity on Thursday.

“People absolutely everywhere, car parks full,” she fumed. “It’s like this virus never existed. Overflow of car parks, almost zero social distancing with families everywhere.”

Devon and Cornwall Police said its officers will be out on the roads at the weekend.

Chief Inspector Steve Lenney, head of roads policing across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, said: “Over the past two months we’ve seen a significant reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads as a result of lockdown measures reducing the number of vehicles travelling.

“However, we have seen examples where some drivers have used the lack of traffic to drive in an unsafe way, or travel at significantly excessive speeds, which can often result in tragedy.”

We have no lifeguard cover yet, so beach safety is a real concern CLLR ROB NOLAN

The Old Inn & Restaurant, St Breward > A remarkable mural appeared on the side of a Bodmin moor pub this week, paying tribute to NHS and other key workers. The mural was painted by Cornish-based artist ‘Sketch’ from Urban Gypset. Darren Wills and Dale Stanley, who run the pub, had noticed his work before and, “with time on our hands” decided to commission him to paint their own tribute. “We were prepared to pay, but he said he would do it for free because it was for the NHS,” Mr Stanley said. The mural was finished late on Wednesday night, after two solid days of work. “Her name is Sophie, and we hope that all key workers in all sectors can identify with her,” they said.