Camber Sands – looks inviting but don’t be tempted! (photo: Nigel Chadwick/CC BY-SA/Wikimedia Commons).

The weather is fine but stay at home to help fight the virus!

The fine weather forecast for the weekend –  sunshine and temperatures up to 16C in Hastings on Sunday – has prompted councils and tourism bodies to call on people not to flock to beauty spots and the sea but to stay at home. Nick Terdre reports.

1066 Country Marketing has taken the unprecedented step of telling visitors “they are not welcome here.”

“Government advice during the Covid-19 pandemic is crystal clear: don’t make unnecessary journeys,” explains Kevin Boorman, manager of the private/public sector partnership responsible for marketing the area.

“We’d normally love to welcome visitors to 1066 Country, but not at the moment, with Covid-19 sweeping the UK.

“All of our attractions are closed. And although the forecast is great for this weekend, and is looking good for Easter too, we are asking people to stay away from our beaches and our countryside.

“Other popular tourist destinations such as the Yorkshire Dales, The Lakes, The Peak District, Brighton, Cornwall, have issued a similar message. We want people to stay safe, and stay at home.

Pashley Manor, Ticehurst: one of the attractions in 1066 Country now closed to the public (photo: 1066 Country).

“Prospective visitors who want to whet their appetite ready for when they can visit can explore what there is to do in virtually open 1066 Country via this link. They can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“But until then, we’re busy trying to save lives, protecting the NHS and all of our emergency services, and our local community. So please stay away, and we’ll let you know as soon as we’re ready to welcome you back!”

Don’t go to Camber Sands!

Meanwhile Rother District Council has issued a warning against people flocking to Camber Sands, as happened two weeks ago on Mothering Sunday weekend despite the social distancing restrictions put in place by the government.

The council subsequently closed the three car parks serving the beach – Camber Western, Camber Central and Old Lydd, and is asking people not to travel to the area.

“We are expecting good weather this weekend and want to ensure that large numbers of people do not travel to Camber and put others at risk,” a spokesman said.

“The advice from Government is very clear – do not travel to exercise and do not gather in large groups. We all have a duty to stem the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), keep the vulnerable safe and ease the burden on the NHS.

“Please take the Government advice seriously. You will not be able to park and, by visiting the beach, you are putting other people at risk. Do not travel to Camber.”

Up-to-date information about disruption to council services and links to public health and government advice can be found on the council websites: Rother, Hastings and East Sussex.

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