Public asked to stay away from Chichester district this Easter weekend — 'Now is definitely not the time to visit'

That is the message from Roy Briscoe, district council cabinet member for community services and culture, ahead of the Easter weekend, as the fight against the coronavirus continues.

With the warmer weather arriving and Easter approaching, people across the country have been 'tempted out' to beauty spots, beaches and parks, going against the Government’s social distancing rules during the UK-wide lockdown.

Councillor Briscoe said: “We know that people will be keen to visit our coastline and countryside, especially as the weather has started to improve but please don’t.

“Instead, we need you to stay at home and keep safe. Social distancing is vital and we all need to play our part in supporting our NHS workers battle this virus.

"By staying at home you will be saving lives and protecting the NHS. We can’t wait to welcome you back when this crisis is over but for now, we need you to continue with the current restrictions and avoid any non-essential travel.”

Chichester District Council echoed the lockdown rules, issued by the Government, with people only allowed to shop for basic necessities; take one form of exercise locally a day alone or with members of your household; for a medical need / to provide care or to help a vulnerable person and travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

A spokesperson added: "Gatherings of more than two people in public are banned, unless they are members of your own household. Social events, weddings and baptisms cannot go ahead.

"Just at the weekend a number of people including surfers and swimmers were spotted using the water at Bracklesham while the car parks team closed three of its car parks as a precaution on the advice of Sussex Police.

"Currently Bracklesham Bay, East Beach Selsey and Marine Drive, West Wittering car parks are closed to the public."

The council is 'closely monitoring' the situation to 'determine whether these restrictions should remain in place'.

"At the moment the district council’s foreshores office at Bracklesham has been closed so people are putting themselves at risk if they use the water there," the spokesperson said.

"Residents who list their properties on Air B&B are also being instructed not to take any bookings or advertise them as ‘coronavirus retreats’ and people with second homes are urged to stay in their primary home.

"People concerned about gatherings should report these to Sussex Police using their dedicated online report form."

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