Thousands ignore pleas to stay away and head to coast

As families spaced themselves out on the beach to enjoy the sunshine, the seafront became a place where, in the joy of taking those first steps back to some form of normality, social distancing was often forgotten.

Police and the coastguard patrolled the area as a reminder the Covid-19 pandemic was not over yet, but scrambling up sandbanks and jumping sideways was the only way to avoid many approaching visitors.

It looked like any other Bank Holiday blessed with good weather.

Kiosk staff who had opened businesses serving refreshments, including alcohol, had done their best to put social distancing measures in place, encouraging queuing two metres apart,

The local authority had also painted yellow feet two metres apart on pavements and in the car park area to protect visitors and act as a reminder .to stay safe.

This was welcomed by those who were trying to be responsible.

Jane Hill and Richard Crofts had made the 80-mile trip from Nottingham to Skegness. "We just came for a drive really not expecting anywhere to open," said Jane.

"When we arrived it was quite quiet and when we saw the car parks open we decided to stay and found a spot on the beach away from everyone.

"The kiosks and toilets have put social distancing measures in place so we have felt quite safe."

Several other families we spoke to did not want to comment on why, when the local authority had asked them to stay away for just a little longer, they decided to come anyway."

One even verbally attacked our photographer, blaming the media for the way the Covid-19 pandemic had been portrayed.

The easing of the Covid-19 restrictions by the Government allowing people to travel for exercise and to enjoy the outdoors was exactly the news the coast's visitors had wanted to hear and the influx during Wednesday's heatwave made it clear to the local authority if they didn't intervene there could be problems ahead.

Until then, East Lindsey District Council had stood firm in protecting its vulnerable residents by keeping the toilets and car parks closed, but Lincolnshire County Council opened there's on a four and a mile stretch of coastal country park between Chapel Six Marshes and Sandilands, driving visitors into residential streets in Anderby and blocking roads.

East Lindsey District Council finally caved into pressure to open car parks and toilets on Saturday after putting the social distancing markers in place in car parks.

Danfo, who run the public toilets for ELDC had also put measures in place aimed at helping users to socially distance. ,

Skegness Town and District Councillor Billy Brookes, whose family business has kiosks and a cafe, said it was good to see visitors back after lockdown.

"It's good for people to get out after being cooped up for long," he said. "It's good for their mental health too.

"I think the owners of the shops that have opened up have done a good job at putting social distancing measures in place.

"If the car parks hadn't been opened when you look at how busy it is today it's evident people would have come no matter what and that would have caused problems. They would have parked in residential areas and blocked roads.

"I'm just looking forward to the day when we can open up properly and welcome everyone back."

Elsewhere the situation was the same as Wednesday, with visitors parking along the access roads to Anderby Creek as far back as Roman bank.

"We've had people trying to camp, a fire, and had to call the emergency services," said Coun Graham Fisher. "We asked Lincolnshire County Council for traffic wardens but there are none for another week.

"It's madness."