UNWELCOME IN SKEG AND MABLETHORPE, SO WILL TRIPPERS OPT FOR CLEETHORPES INSTEAD?

                                                                                                                 

The sign says it all - but is the time right to roll out the welcome mat?

UNWELCOMING  messages from neighbouring East Coast resorts could, this weekend, prompt a surge of trippers to Cleethorpes and Humberston instead.

Although the Government has given the green light to journeys to the seaside and the countryside, some local authorities are nervous that visitors might  bring with them the dreaded coronavirus bug.

The local authority for Mablethorpe and Skegness is Conservative-controlled East Lindsey District Council which this week urged potential visitors to "stay away from the Lincolnshire Wolds and Coast".

Says its leader, Cllr Craig Leyland: "The Prime Minister has  announced that  people can  travel for exercise. 

"I know that this will have left many thinking about coming  to our district, in particular the Wolds and Coast. 

"But for the time being, we are asking people not to rush to visit the area - car parks are closed and tourism businesses such as caravan parks, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and attractions are all closed. 

"Our priority continues to be limiting the impact that coronavirus has on our communities and our vulnerable residents and we would  encourage people to stay at home as much as possible."   

Similar discouragement has been sounded by the chairman of Northumberland Tourism, David Hall who comments: "Whilst we welcome the Government's move towards recovery, the pandemic is far from over.

"We have a responsibility to make sure that Northumberland is a safe place to live, work and visit, so, until the virus is under control, we ask visitors to stay away to protect our communities.

"We stand poised and ready to promote our world-class destination when the time is right, when our businesses are safe and ready to reopen, and when we can start to welcome people back to our beautiful county and enjoy everything it has to offer.

"For now however, we ask everyone to act responsibly, to respect the virus, and return only when it is  safe to do so."

As of close of play today, no similar announcement had been forthcoming from  North East Lincolnshire Council, so the chances are fair that Cleethorpes might  become the magnet-in-chief for those seeking a day our two out by the seaside.