'Decisions like this have to be made as we move into recovery'

Councillor Craig Leyland, said the authority, whilst sending out the message the 'Coast is Closed' to deter an influx of vast numbers, had seen "an increasing number of visitors choosing to visit our district and, in particular, our coastal resorts".

As a result, the decision to open car parks and toilets in Skegness was made towards the end of the week, upsetting many Standard readers directly and on social media.

Hugh Malkinson referred to the "recent disgraceful and dangerous actions of the ELDC" in his email to the paper. "They (ELDC) advertise fully the principle of having double standards - 'Do Not Come To The Beaches' and 'Our Car Parks And Toilets Are Now Open So You Are Welcome To Come To Beaches'.

"Double talk and sheer lunacy.

"Has ELDC given any thought at all to the fact that their reckless, dangerous decision may quite easily lead to he Coronavirus becoming more prevalent in this area and extra strain then being put on our limited local NHS services? Obviously not."

Another reader messaged us with a picture of crowds on the foreshore on Bank Holiday Monday, saying: "I understand people have bills to pay and are re-opening businesses, but this is pure and utter stupidity. No social distancing - just a death sentence."

However, Coun Leyland said: "As we move out of crisis management to recovery, decisions like this will need to be made as we look to balance the safety and concerns of our residents with the need to ease the restrictions of lockdown in line with government guidance,

"Whilst visitor numbers were lower than anticipated over the weekend, some did come to take advantage of our open spaces and beaches. We realise that is permitted under the recent easing of lockdown measures.

"In advance of the weekend we decided that some adjustments needed to be made to ensure the safety of our residents should there be a significant influx of people to our coast.

"If you were out in Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea and Skegness, you will have no doubt seen the signage we installed along the foreshore reminding people of need to social distance.

"You will have also noticed that public toilets and our foreshore car parks are open once again.

"Opening our car parks was a decision we took following consultation with our partners, including Lincolnshire Police, and one that had the safety of our residents firmly in mind.

"By re-opening the car parks we were able to reduce the potential for congestion and reduce the likelihood that visitors would park in residential areas. By asking for the public toilets to be re-opened we were able to ensure adequate provision for any number of visitors and allow for individuals using these facilities to do so in a safe manner.

"I can assure you that every decision we make in the process will be very mindful of the impacts on our most vulnerable residents.

"We recognise that a vast number of people travelling to the District over a Bank Holiday would not normally be an issue. In fact, we would normally be doing all we could to encourage people to come to East Lindsey.

"However, we must all accept that this is a much-changed time. As a Council we are doing all we can to ensure that our residents, especially our vulnerable residents, are protected from Covid-19. In Lincolnshire we have been fortunate to experience a much lower level of infection than many other areas of the country, and we are trying to do everything we can to ensure it remains this way.

"That is why we have been working hard to push the message that would-be visitors should stay away for the time being.

"Throughout this incredibly difficult time we have always said that we will welcome visitors back but only when the time is right. I still believe that we are not yet in a place where we can welcome our usual numbers of visitors."