A quiet weekend: Scarborough Council deputy leader says 'Thanks for staying away from the coast'

Cllr Liz Colling said that while footfall was up across the borough and there was more traffic on the roads, particularly around Whitby, fears over large crowds descending on the borough had not been realised.

Cllr Colling said: “I just want to say thank you to the people who stayed home and also to those who did come but stuck to social distancing.

“It seems like the coast was quieter compared to inland spots but we certainly didn’t see the crowds that appeared at some places in the county.

“So by and large it went very well and I thank everyone for their understanding. We know it must have been hard for people, especially those with family in the borough.”

The deputy leader added that the decision by North Yorkshire County Council to close Scarborough’s seafront roads of Marine Drive and Royal Albert Drive to traffic had made a difference.

She said: “As there were no cars parked up it gave people more space to move about in so they could keep their distance.”

Cllr Colling said she hoped for more of the same this week with temperatures set to soar on Wednesday.

“I think the message to people is just to taper it down a bit,” she added.

“Don’t travel unless you have to.”

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