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Crowds Gather At UK Beaches For Sunny Bank Holiday

Crowds Gather At UK Beaches For Sunny Bank Holiday

Police and local councils have told people to remember the importance of following social distancing guidelines

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Brits across the country have flocked to beaches and parks to make the most of the bank holiday sunshine, with police urging people to use their 'common sense'.

Many parts of the UK have been graced with pleasant weather for the bank holiday Monday, prompting scores of people to get outside to enjoy some fresh air after lockdown restrictions eased earlier this month.

People enjoy the hot weather on Bournemouth beach.
PA

While people are now allowed to sunbathe outdoors, or to meet up with one person from outside of their household, so long as they remain two metres from anyone, police and local councils have reminded Brits that they must exercise caution and honour social distancing guidelines that remain in place.

Hillingdon Police tweeted a photo showing large crowds of people gathered at Ruislip Lido, a reservoir situated between Ruislip Common, Ruislip Woods and Poors Field.

The force said: "Police have been called to Ruislip Lido to reports of large group gathering."

Urging people to remember distancing measures, they added: "Please use common sense when it comes to social distancing."

Similar scenes were also found in other popular spots like the beaches at Bournemouth in Dorset and Southend in Essex.


Bournemouth Council tweeted to ask people to 'think twice' before visiting the beach - where car parks were completely full - saying there were other 'less busy' spaces they could visit instead.

The council tweeted: "Our seafront car parks are full. Please #ThinkTwice before visiting the beach - there are other less busy but equally lovely open spaces to enjoy or please #stayhome. If you do go out, please avoid parking in local roads or breaching traffic regulations and risking a fine."

Southend Labour councillor Matt Dent took to Facebook to say he felt it would be better if many people had chosen to stay at home instead of heaidng to the beach.

He wrote: "Today on Southend seafront, and it's rather as I feared. The weather is glorious, the car parks are full, and the seafront is packed.

"Credit where it's due, people are trying to socially distance and Council staff are on hand reminding people of the need to keep safe distances. The trouble is that with that many people in the space available it's just not possible. On the beach itself, people are doing quite well at keeping distance, but on the footways it's a nightmare.

"Speaking to some residents who live by the seafront, there's palpable frustration that they're forced to choose between staying indoors or venturing into their immediate local area and braving the hordes. I've also heard some pretty sickening reports of what people are resorting to rather than queuing for the toilets.

"People are staying alert, but on the whole I think it would have been better for everyone if they'd stayed at home instead."

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Topics: UK News, News