'Go home if it's not safe' is the message being pushed by authorities in Dorset

They are yet again urging people who are visiting Dorset as well as locals to think carefully about where they are going and if it is safe.

Chaotic scenes at Durdle Door and other crowded beaches show that some people are not taking responsibility for their actions, it is warned.

If an area is busy and social distancing can’t be maintained, then people should go home.

Visitors are being urged in particular to avoid the Lulworth area, and be prepared for all popular destinations in Dorset to be very busy.

Authorities are meeting this week to come up with a plan to help manage visitor numbers around Lulworth.

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Despite the fact the Government is asking people to stay at home whenever possible, demand on policing in the county is as high now as it was the same time last year before the pandemic.

“Incidents such as the ones we dealt with at Durdle Door means our officers are unable to respond as quickly to other priority calls and incidents. We yet again urge people to act responsibly, use their common sense and make the moral decision to go home if an area looks too busy."

Staff from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI, Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service Trust and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were all involved in responding to irresponsible behaviour over last weekend.

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of the South Western Ambulance Service, said: “Under normal circumstances we welcome all visitors to the South West, but these are not normal circumstances. If you are thinking about visiting either beaches or beauty spots, first consider if it is really necessary, if you decide it is then please do look after yourselves and stay alert. Follow current government guidance on not staying overnight and be aware of social distancing."

Meanwhile, Director of Public Health for Dorset Sam Crowe said: “As lockdown restrictions begin to ease gradually, it’s important to recognise we all need to take responsibility for controlling the spread of coronavirus. Alongside continuing effective social distancing, the NHS Test and Trace service will be key for us to contain local cases and prevent a second peak in infections.”