Would-be tourists urged to stay away from Great Yarmouth as seafront car parks and toilets remain closed

While people can now drive to outdoor open spaces for exercise or leisure irrespective of distance, as long as they respect social distancing guidance when they arrive, tourist attractions, hotels and holiday parks must remain closed under Government rules.

To discourage an influx of tourists to Great Yarmouth, which would risk the health and safety of both visitors and residents, the borough council has decided not to re-open its seafront car parks or public toilets for the time being. The council will continue to review this position as the situation develops.

Ahead of and during the weekend, the council will run an eye-catching social media campaign to ask would-be tourists to continue to stay away for now from Great Yarmouth, Gorleston-on-Sea and the local villages of Hopton, Caister, Hemsby and Winterton. 

Cllr Carl Smith, the council leader, said: "Public health and safety is the top priority, and maintaining social distancing is critical. We're still very early on in the Government's stepped recovery plan, and we all have a part to play in controlling this deadly, infectious virus and saving lives. 

"While people can travel, the message from Great Yarmouth to would-be tourists is please stay away for now, do not be tempted to congregate on our coast, risking the safety of yourself, your family and the local community. So far, people have been good in staying away and we would like to see that continue for the time being."

Lyndon Bevan, chairman of the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA), said: "As part of discouraging possible tourists from visiting, the council has taken the sensible decision of keeping our car parks and toilets closed for now, just as tourist attractions, hotels and holiday parks must remain closed. It's still not the time for tourism. Please spread the word, not the virus."