Scarborough Council thanks public for staying home after coast was 'deserted' this weekend

Cllr Liz Colling said that when she checked in on Scarborough’s South Bay on Saturday it was “deserted”, a far cry from just seven days earlier when the thronging crowds drew the ire of the authority and the police.

Cllr Colling added: “The South Bay was deserted. When I got down there it has just started to rain and it was cold. The businesses were closed and that is just what we want to see.

“I have been told the car parks at Filey were empty and Whitby seemed the same way.

“We want people staying at home to help save lives and I want to thank everyone who did not come out this weekend.”

Cllr Colling posted a video of the empty beach on her Twitter page.

North Yorkshire Police officers were also active across the borough leaving flyers on vehicles reminding people not to visit beauty spots and attractions.

In a social media post the force said: “We’ve been heartened that more and more people are following the government measures and only leaving home for ‘essential’ reasons.

“Thank you to everyone who has done the right thing and stayed home, protected the NHS and saved lives.

“We are aware that some people continue to break the rules. In every district of North Yorkshire, our officers are on regular patrols through towns, suburbs, villages and rural areas.

“Officers are also continuing to stop drivers, ask where they’re going and ensure they understand that they can only leave home if their journey is essential.”