Somerset’s tourism boss has urged holidaymakers to stay away from Burnham-On-Sea, Brean and Berrow until the Coronavirus lockdown fully ends.
The advice from Visit Somerset comes after the Government eased the Coronavirus lockdown, leading to unrestricted travel.
Visit Somerset’s CEO John Turner, pictured, says: “Visit Somerset fully understands that existing local residents might wish to take advantage of open spaces within the county for extended daily exercise and wellbeing, following this week’s guidance from the Government. It is anticipated that people will use common sense over coming weeks, whilst we all seek to avoid spreading Coronavirus in our communities.”
“Whilst such activities are permitted within reason, the guidance does not extend to overnight stays away from your home and common sense would indicate that a maximum one hour journey is acceptable for undertaking these exercise activities.”
He adds: “Visit Somerset does not expect, therefore, people to make significant journeys into our county area for what is a limited outdoor activity. Staying away from home, whether camping or visiting a second home, is illegal and not acceptable.”
“Visit Somerset would like to take this opportunity to remind these temporary visitors that hospitality venues will not be open until July at the earliest. There are very limited opportunities for takeaways and refreshments and there are minimal support facilities compared to normal.”
“There is no-one to oversee your safety or security on beaches, open countryside or resorts as warden or life guards are not working currently and you will have to take your own safety in hand, remembering to use common sense and realise the consequences of your actions might result in you calling out emergency services that’s uses are better deployed in other capacities currently.”
“We repeat that we are not expecting tourists until later in the year, at which point our local support services should be in a better position to address their needs.”
