Crowds of sunseekers gathered across the North West on the hottest day of the year, causing chaos on the beaches.
Many people took the opportunity yesterday to partake in now allowed day trips to beauty spots such as parks and beaches.
Unfortunately, these places became rammed quickly as crowds gathered, as everyone did the same. Many people shared images on social media, with one Twitter user saying: “If this was you today in Southport, don’t worry about clapping tomorrow night.”
If this was you today in Southport, don't worry about clapping tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/dRriimGYR2
— Mandy Owen ??? ???? (@hatemornings) May 20, 2020
Can't believe what I have just seen. Ainsdale and Southport beach 'crammed' with cars and people!! Felt so deflated after everyone's careful efforts. So reckless and complacent of people, acting like this nightmare is over? There are no words!?? #StayAlert#mindless#keepsafepic.twitter.com/efeQR5VCdX
As part of the lockdown easing plan put in place by the government, restrictions on walks, exercise and time outside were lifted meaning day trips are now allowed – including unlimited exercise and sunbathing.
Beaches in Southport and Blackpool quickly became full with sun-seekers.
Traffic heading to Formby and Southport beaches right now.. This is just coming off M57 from Switch Island and it’s starting to back up a good 4/5 miles from beaches. . This is a still off a video. pic.twitter.com/UcxjVagadW
— Claire Walmsley Griffiths (@cjgriffphoto) May 21, 2020
Roads were also gridlocked with cars and many ended up parking illegally, to get their spot on the beach.
In the south of England, traffic wardens ‘ran out of tickets’ as the beaches became utter chaos, the Mirror reports.
Many people have taken to Twitter to share pictures of crowds and their concerns on the lockdown easing.
This is Southend. within rules, everyone in photo has a right to travel to the beach for a day out. So this was inevitable. No chance of 2m distancing ⛔️
This is so risky. There’s ‘easing’ the lockdown. Then there’s just reverting back to normal! Staggering. pic.twitter.com/oNt7CWHCsr
After the announcements on lockdown easing, Visit Blackpool quickly responded, changing its name on Twitter to Do Not Visit Blackpool and issuing a warning to the public to avoid the town.
They asked the public to ‘think twice before setting off for Blackpool for the day’, adding that they feel it is the ‘right thing, and the safest thing, to do at the moment’.
However, following the government’s advice, many people opted for visiting the beauty spot on this year’s hottest day.
Out on my morning walk along the prom and I’m disgusted at the amount of litter. Had a conversation with one of our street cleaners who’s seen a massive increase this week. The laziness of people is staggering,rubbish dropped metres from bins. Visiting Blackpool,bin your litter. pic.twitter.com/BoMI6zVYV5
— Brendan Bunting ???? (@DapperArtist) May 21, 2020
@BorisJohnson if you want help on your next decision then just look at the state of blackpool!Stay Alert? we had a blue sea and clear beaches- destroyed in a day. people are more than happy ignore your advice and add stress to nhs but clap on a thursday to support them? ? pic.twitter.com/033bRWVx45
One Twitter user KiaTobin raised the concerns that despite lockdown cleaning up Blackpool beach and leaving clearer water, this was ‘destroyed in day’.
as if people have gone blackpool and pure just trashed it again. humans are actual scum bags
Members of the public are being urged to continuously be careful and stringent with social distancing measures despite the latest government advice.
Places such as the Peak District issued clear guidance that people can continue to help the area by giving it ‘crucial breathing space to recover by staying local’. Many parks have kept toilets, information centres and other facilities closed.
