CONCERNED council bosses want to send out the message that Tendring’s resorts are open for business...despite a Government warning beaches could be closed if social distancing measures are ignored.

Thousands flocked to the Sunshine Coast last week as temperatures topped 29C.

But most people visiting Clacton, Frinton, Walton, Dovercourt and Brightlingsea, as well as visitors to Mersea, respected social distancing measures.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Government had the power to close public areas and beaches if people flout safety restrictions, as was seen in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole where hundreds of thousands visitors crammed on to beaches.

Tendring Council leader Neil Stock said: “We are faced with great uncertainty going forward and that will have an impact on people’s lives and health.

“It was never the intention to eliminate Covid-19 completely. It was always about flattening the curve to protect the NHS and that has succeeded.

“People are increasingly fed up and bored – it has been a very restrictive way of living.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • Tendring Council leader Neil Stock

“I’m keen that here in Tendring we send out the right message to entrepreneurs - all about getting back to business.

“We want people to come to our beaches in Tendring, use car parks, buy ice cream and spend some money and boost our economy, obviously within the constraints of restrictions.

“But we can’t ignore the economy, which is vital to the recovery of the country.”

Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty has urged people to follow social distancing rules in the hot weather or risk causing a spike in coronavirus.

He said: “Covid-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone, but is still in general circulation.

“If we do not follow social distancing guidance, then cases will rise again.

“Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun, but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all.”

Mr Hancock said he was “reluctant” to go down the route of shutting public spaces, but added if there was a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, “then we will take action”.