Visitors to Hastings told to stay away as restrictions ease

Following the government’s announcement on Sunday, members of the public are allowed to travel to visit the coast from today (Wednesday, May 13).

Since Boris Johnson’s announcement, Hastings Borough Council said it has been working on how this affects the town moving forward, while it continues to manage its infection rate.

Hastings has one of the lowest Covid-19 infection and death rates in England, and the council said it is mindful of the potential risks increased visitors from other areas could have on the residents of the town.

In order for the town to continue to keep its hospital, residents and keyworkers protected the council, and 1066 Country Marketing, the private public sector tourism marketing partnership responsible for promoting the area, have made the decision that it does not want visitors just yet.

This is in line with decisions made by other popular destinations such just as The Lakes, Cornwall, Brighton, Blackpool and the Peak District.

Kevin Boorman, manager of 1066 Country Marketing, said: “We would love to welcome visitors to Hastings and 1066 Country once our attractions, hotels, B&Bs and restaurants are open to welcome you. But until life returns to some normality please do not come here.

“Hastings and 1066 Country will be here waiting for you when lockdown lifts, we are not going anywhere. For now you can enjoy our fantastic 1066 Country online with Visit 1066 here.”

Councillor Kim Forward, leader of the council, said: “We love welcoming visitors to Hastings, some of whom return every year to enjoy the fantastic attractions, restaurants and shops our town has to offer.

“But for now Hastings will remain closed to visitors until we feel it is safe for our town to welcome them again. Our toilets are closed across our town as well which is helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We are all working hard in Hastings to keep our residents safe and our infection rate is relatively low and we need it to be even lower.”