Scarborough councillors continue to say 'stay home' despite easing on travel restrictions

As the restrictions on travel during the Covid-19 lockdown are lifted today the message from Scarborough remains the same, “stay home”.
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Councillors in the borough have spoken of their worry that people could flock to Whitby, Scarborough, Filey and the surrounding villages now that people can go as far as they like to exercise.

Scarborough Council deputy leader Cllr Liz Colling has reiterated her comments from earlier in the week and urged anyone thinking of travelling into the borough to think twice.

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She said: “I think a lot of what the message focuses on is what amenities have we got for people?

Cllr Liz Colling, left, and Cllr Derek Bastiman, right. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterCllr Liz Colling, left, and Cllr Derek Bastiman, right. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
Cllr Liz Colling, left, and Cllr Derek Bastiman, right. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

“We’ve got no pubs, there are no cafes, very limited takeaways and no public toilets and we have no plans to open the toilets and we can’t do so until we can ensure they are safe.

“We have diverted a lot of manpower elsewhere which is why we have been able to keep the refuse collections going and we don’t want to take people away from places where they are needed.

“My feeling is that if you have driven so far that you need the loo then you have gone too far.

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“For anyone who does decide to come, I would say be prepared for it to be not as you remember it.”

Cllr Derek Bastiman. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterCllr Derek Bastiman. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
Cllr Derek Bastiman. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

She was joined in the message of caution by Conservative group leader Cllr Derek Bastiman.

Cllr Bastiman said that the borough would always extend a warm welcome but people should wait before coming to sample the hospitality.

He said: “People need to take responsibility for their own actions and observe social distancing. So far as we are concerned, the whole of the Borough is still closed to visitors.

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“However, when lockdown is totally relaxed we, as ever, will give all visitors a truly warm welcome. Until then we do urge people to stay away.

Cllr Liz Colling. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterCllr Liz Colling. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
Cllr Liz Colling. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter

“Because the Prime Minister says you can travel it doesn’t mean you have to.”

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