People warned away from Eastbourne beaches and beauty spots

Eastbourne Borough Council issued the message this week, which echoes that of the Eastbourne Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) branch, for people to follow government advice, continue to socially distance, and stay safe.

A council spokesperson said, “We ask everyone to follow the government advice about social distancing and not to rush back to areas that would normally attract increased numbers of people, such as the seafront and downland beauty spots.

“We are considering the latest government advice and assessing how and when to allow the use of council facilities that are currently closed, including public toilets and tennis courts.

“However, our priority is public safety and ensuring that social distancing is maintained.”

The spokesperson said council staff have been moved between jobs to meet new demands that the coronavirus pandemic has brought about, like extra cleaning and supplying food parcels.

They said, “Operating facilities requires resources, at a time when council staff have been redeployed to other key areas, such as increased cleaning of our sheltered housing schemes, the packing and distribution of food parcels for vulnerable people and handling emergency Covid-19 calls and emails.

“If any facilities are opened in the coming weeks we will post updates on the council website, on social media channels and share them with the local media.”

An Eastbourne RNLI spokesperson said, “We have seen a big increase of people on their boats in the harbour because the lockdown has been lifted somewhat.

“From a boating point of view if you are going out social distancing is still included. Also make sure your boat is well maintained and if you are going down to the coast you have still got the dangers of the tides and social distancing.

“If you are on the beach you need to be aware there is no lifeguards either and if people do get in trouble and need to be rescued it means the RNLI or Coastguards will be called. And that is where social distancing will go out of the window.

“If you want to go out and enjoy yourself then make sure you have taken safety precautions.”

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