Mayors united in fear that Scarborough, Whitby and Filey could be overwhelmed with visitors

The three fear that their towns could be overwhelmed with visitors who no longer have to stay close to their own homes to take exercise.

The Mayors have now come together to ask people for their understanding.

Cllr Hazel Lynskey, Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, said: “We are still working through the Government’s new coronavirus advice and guidance and what implications it will have for our communities.

“The guidance on travelling anywhere for exercise presents us with a potentially significant challenge.

"Many residents are worried this will mean people flocking to our coastal towns and villages and we share their concerns.

“The new guidance means the police’s enforcement powers are now very limited and we have virtually no powers of our own to stop people coming to the borough.

“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our residents.

"Therefore despite the new guidance, we are preparing proactive communications with our partners to discourage people from travelling to the coast.

“We want to welcome visitors to our part of North Yorkshire, but now is not the right time.

"Everything will still be here when this is over, but until then, many businesses remain closed in line with government guidelines.

"Our public toilets are closed too and there is no lifeguard cover on our beaches.

"We are encouraging visitors to play their part in limiting the virus spread and only come back when we can welcome them properly.”

Cllr Linda Wild, Mayor of Whitby, said local people were concerned as Whitby wss not built for social distancing.

"It is important that everyone acts responsibly and doesn’t overwhelm Whitby while we all get to grips with step one of the Government’s plan," she said.

“Thank you to everyone for supporting Whitby and the Scarborough district at this difficult time.

"We can’t wait to welcome you all back again, but only once it’s safe to do so and our hotels, pubs, restaurants and attractions are open again.”

Cllr Jacqui Houlden-Banks, Town Mayor of Filey, said: “Filey supports the views of Scarborough Borough Council.

"Filey will be ready to welcome back all its visitors as soon as we are able, under the guidelines issued to us by the Government.”