Police back 'stay home' warning to visitors planning Easter trip to coast

The message comes after East Lindsey District Council closed car parks along the coast amidst fears traffic could increase as home schooling ceases for the holidays..

Chief Supt Chris Davison, Lincolnshire Police. East Area Commander, said, “The council are asking people to follow the Government instructions and not travel to the coast.

"We are supporting the message wholeheartedly. We will be friendly, but firm to ensure people only travel when necessary.

"A frivolous visit to the coast could literally cost lives. It would be a selfish and dangerous thing to do and would fly in the face of the vast majority of people who are taking every step they can to stop the spread of the virus and help protect our NHS.

"We have a beautiful county and a lovely coast. Save your visit for a better time, when the restrictions are lifted and you can enjoy it properly.”

Coun Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy at the Council, said: “It seems strange to be asking visitors to stay away and to be introducing measures to discourage them from coming, but this is a wholly necessary step.

"We want to keep those would-be visitors and our residents safe and the best way we can do that is by encouraging people to stay at home.

"The threat posed by the Coronavirus is incredibly high and, and as much as we love people visiting our district it’s not worth the risk of getting ill and spreading this virus further.

"So please, follow government instructions and stay at home and when this situation is resolved, we’ll gladly welcome you back to the Lincolnshire coast.

"Visitors help make our district the fabulous place that it is, so of course, when it’s safe to travel again, we’d be delighted to see people here in East Lindsey.”

The District Council are also calling on local businesses, including accommodation providers and visitor attractions to continue to play their part too, by ensuring they remain closed in-line with the Government closure orders.

Coun Kirk added: “I’d like to thank businesses for following the guidance so far – we know this is a tough time.”

Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt added his support for the call to 'stay home'. He said: "We have Easter approaching and this is usually a time when we welcome visitors.

"This year on behalf of Skegness Town Council, I am asking visitors to stay at home. We will give you the warmest of welcomes again once this crisis is over.

"If you visit us now, you will not only present an unacceptable risk to our local health services, but you will also be risking both the lives of those that live in Skegness and your own families health.

"When it is safe to come again, you can be sure we will let you know. In the meantime, stay safe and follow government advice."