'Thank you' for staying away

Skegness resembled more of a ghost town than the bustling seaside resort witnessed a year ago when record temperatures saw thousands flock to the beaches.

Up to Sunday evening, Lincolnshire Police issued 28 Fixed Penalty Notices across the county, including nine in and around Boston and eight in and around Skegness. Two people were stopped in Lincolnshire en-route from Coventry to a party in Lincoln.

There had been some reports of people ignoring the pleas, including police having to turn back a family of five at Skegness railway station'

Officers also stopped vehicles with registration plates from outside the area on the A157 and the A52.

A Lincolnshire Police statement reads: "A small number of people have not behaved in line with the advice and have been issued with hefty Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

"Largely, people in the county have been following the central advice to stay at home, to only make essential journeys, and to keep 2m from people if trips are unavoidable.

"Our beaches have been deserted even in the recent sunny weather, our city streets have been eerily quiet, and our usually bustling market towns have been desolate. For that we are grateful.

"But some people have decided not to listen to the advice and have subsequently found themselves issued with a hefty on-the-spot fine."

Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt has also thanked visitors for staying away. He said: "I would like to thank visitors for listening to the government's advice to stay home and save lives.

"I know it's a difficult time for businesses and also for people to stay at home when they should be enjoying themselves during the Easter holidays.

"Thank you to all those who stayed at home."

* Five more patients with coronavirus have died in United Lincolnshire Health Trust (ULHT) hospitals, according to figures on Monday before going to press.

That brings the total to have died to 58.

In total, 478 cases have now been confirmed in the county.