Public toilets kept shut as tourists warned to stay away from coast

  • Anglia

Great Yarmouth council has urged visitors to stay away despite the easing of the government's coronavirus lockdown rules.

It has kept its public toilets and car parks closed, and the council leader has asked people to "not be tempted to congregate on our coast".

There have been fears that people will drive to the coast after the government announced people could travel as far as they like for exercise.

Councillor Carl Smith, the council leader, said: "We’re still very early on in the Government’s stepped recovery plan, and we all have a part to play in controlling this deadly, infectious virus and saving lives.

“While people can travel, the message from Great Yarmouth to would-be tourists is please stay away for now, do not be tempted to congregate on our coast, risking the safety of yourself, your family and the local community.

"So far, people have been good in staying away and we would like to see that continue for the time being.”

Other councils in the Anglia region have taken the decision to reopen certain services.

Tendring Council, which encompasses the coastal resorts of Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Frinton-On-Sea, are reopening their car parks.

Their public toilets, however, will remain shut while the council investigates how to operate them safely.

Councillor Neil Stock, leader of Tendring District Council, said: "Where we can re-open things we will - but only when we are satisfied it is safe for both our staff and the public to do so.

"Our car parks, and hopefully soon some of our public toilets, are open to support those exercising or enjoying public spaces. They are not there to encourage everyone back to shops or to hang out in groups."

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