Visitors urged to stay away from Skegness at Easter and wait until May

Skegness beach was still relatively quiet during this week's heatwave. Photo: Janet Simpson.

Although Government 'Stay at home' restrictions have been eased, people are still being asked to stay local - and this has caused some confusion.

In some parts of the UK, this week's heatwave saw crowds flocked to open spaces in some parts of the UK and there was concern about social distancing.

There were no similar scenes along the coast, however. Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend East Lindsey District Council will have marshals on patrol in Skegness at the top of Tower Esplanade to direct traffic to the new entrance of the Princes Parade car park along the seafront.

Motorists will also have other challenges if they head to the resort with roadworks continuing along Roman Bank and a large cordoned off pothole holding up traffic in Lumley Road

If they do manage to find a parking space, apart from a few kiosks close to the beach and cafes doing takeaway, most shops and all attractions are closed.

Coun Colin Davie, Lincolnshire County Council's Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment, Strategic Planning and Tourism, said he couldn't imagine why any visitors would want to come to the coast until more restrictions are lifted.

"The weather is not goring to be like earlier in the week when the temperature was 20C - it's due to be a cold weekend," he said.

"I can't imagine why anyone would want to come when no attractions are open, only to get a takeaway coffee and sit in the cold on the beach.

"They would be much better to wait until May when more attractions and shops are open and the coast can give them a proper welcome.

"When they do return we will welcome them to support our local businesses who have been closed during the pandemic."

East Lindsey District Council has launched a 'Care' campaign for when restrictions are lifted. The campaign calls on would-be visitors to ‘Care for our Coast, Care for our Countryside, and Care for our Communities’.

People visiting their 'local beach' are also being asked to 'Respect the Countryside. Put your litter in the bin'.

For more on the Care for our Coast campaign visit here.