RESIDENTS who visit Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s beaches and find they are “too busy” are being told to go home.

The leader of BCP Council has urged locals to ‘think twice’ if the beach becomes busy, while people from outside the area are being asked not to visit for now.

The message comes as temperatures reach the low 20s and people make the most of the loosening of the lockdown rules which state they can sunbathe in public places.

Yesterday, thousands of people flocked to the beach to enjoy the warm weather. 

With another bank holiday this weekend, BCP Council said it will “continue to monitor the beach use throughout the weekend”.

Some toilets along the seafront have reopened until 4pm and residents are advised to carry their own wipes and hand sanitisers.

Meanwhile, beach hut tenants have been advised to keep the promenade clear and place tables and chairs on the beach to maintain access for other beach users.

Catering outlets providing a takeaway service including private businesses have also been advised to keep the promenade clear of any seating.

Signage is in place advising beach users to keep to the two-metre social distancing, and seafront teams will continue to patrol the prom.

People are being reminded that while government guidelines indicate people can leave home, staying in a property for a holiday or other purpose is not permitted.

Hotels in the area remain closed and camping overnight in car parks is not allowed.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said; “The lifting of restrictions nationally has meant people can travel to the beach. We made the conscious decision to open our seafront facilities including car parks for local people to use. Not all residents have the luxury of being able to walk to the beach and so it’s important we provide these facilities so that our local residents can access the public spaces they enjoy.

“With the favourable weather conditions set to continue this Bank Holiday weekend we are appealing to residents to please Think Twice if they arrive at the seafront and find it’s too busy. We understand people are keen to get to the beach but the message is simple - if you get to the beach and it’s too busy then please head home. The beach will still be here for you to enjoy at other times.”

The council said people can expect to see an increase in seafront rangers as we enter the summer season.