Brits ignore warnings to avoid tourist hotspots as they kick off the Bank Holiday weekend
BEAMING Brits defied pleas to avoid tourist hotspots as they kicked off the Bank Holiday weekend.
Scores of grinning surfers and swimmers in wetsuits took to the sea at Bournemouth beach – just hours after the local police boss urged people to use their “common sense” over travel.
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Other topless dippers failed to social distance, while one man was snapped kitesurfing at nearby Branksome.
Dozens of day-trippers again visited the Peak District – ignoring repeated pleas to steer clear of the area – to enjoy loosened lockdown rules.
And in Brighton, ten facemask-wearing stewards manned the beach to stop crowds building.
Earlier morning, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill pleaded for people to “think twice” before heading out.
He reckoned it would be the busiest day of the year so far – but blustery winds appeared to have deterred some from visiting.
Mr Underhill told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yesterday was the busiest day in nine weeks and it was a normal Friday.
“As we saw in Bournemouth, there are lots of people on the beach and only a few are failing to socially distance.
“But as the numbers increase, the chances of socially distancing are reduced.
“What we are saying is think twice and use your common sense. Ask yourself: ‘is what I’m doing safe and fair?’”
Crowds also flocked to Derbyshire’s Peak District – ignoring repeated warnings from tourism bosses to steer clear.
Families posed for snaps at the beauty spot’s Dovedale region.
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But in Brighton, many appeared to have heeded demands from town hall chiefs to stay away from the seafront.
Stewards wearing facemasks overlooked the beach’s busiest area to stop crowds gathering – but unlike last Saturday, the masses stayed away.
They will continue to man the area for nine hours from 12pm throughout today and tomorrow, when temperatures are set to hit 18C (64F).
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