Busy seafront in South Shields as crowds head outdoors in droves for Bank Holiday Monday

Crowds flocked to the South Shields coast on Bank Holiday Monday – May 25 – to enjoy the sunshine as the coronavirus lockdown continues into its 10th week.
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Following a change in lockdown regulations earlier this month, people are now permitted to travel for exercise, spend more time outdoors – for things like fresh air, sunbathing and picnicking – and meet one person from another household outdoors, but from a safe distance.

Two-metre social distancing still applies in all cases.

And Colmans Fish & Chips in Ocean Road, South Shields, was a big draw on Bank Holiday Monday, with customers observing the social distancing rules as they queued in the sunshine.

Social distancing in the sunshineSocial distancing in the sunshine
Social distancing in the sunshine
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The seafront and beach at Sandhaven were also busy with families.

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But council chiefs are still urging people to stay at home “as much as possible”.

South Tyneside Council previously announced it was beginning a rolling programme of reopening its coastal car parks in light of changes to Government guidance enabling people to travel further and exercise for longer.

Queues outside ColmansQueues outside Colmans
Queues outside Colmans

Car parking services were reintroduced from Monday, May 18, following thorough risk assessments to ensure they meet social distancing guidelines.

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Public toilets are also being reopened on a phased-in programme with new measures and restrictions in place to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

Toilets at Littlehaven and the walkway at Sandhaven have reopened with new signage, two metre markers and attendants placed at each site, followed by the Grotto at Marsden.

Coun Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, previously said in a statement: “While there has been a partial relaxation of the rules around driving to places, restrictions are still very much in place. People should stay at home as much as possible.

“We have a difficult balance to strike between accommodating people who choose to drive to the coast while supporting the needs of the local community.

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“Providing parking will help us to keep our roads clear for emergency vehicles while also addressing issues around visitors parking in residential areas.”

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