New Covid signs reminding people to social distance installed on South Shields seafront after warning over crowds

New coronavirus warning signs have been placed along South Shields seafront just days after the council raised concerns over crowds at the town’s beaches and parks.
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A number of signs reminding people to keep their distance and to only leave home for exercise have been put up on lampposts along Sandhaven beach.

It follows a plea from South Tyneside Council asking residents to only exercise in their local area following busy scenes along the seafront in recent weeks.

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Car parks and toilets currently remain open, but this is kept under constant review, a spokeswoman for the council has said.

The signs have been placed high up on lampposts along the seafront promenade.The signs have been placed high up on lampposts along the seafront promenade.
The signs have been placed high up on lampposts along the seafront promenade.

Seafront businesses that provide essential goods and services as defined by the Government are also permitted to continue trading.

Under lockdown restrictions outdoor exercise should be taken locally wherever possible, however, people can travel a short distance within their own area.

The council has said it is ‘working hard to balance the needs of local residents and businesses’.

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In a bid to ensure the rules are followed, South Tyneside Council has now installed the new signs.

South Tyneside Cllr Ernest Gibson with new Covid signage at the Walkway, Sandhaven, South Shields.South Tyneside Cllr Ernest Gibson with new Covid signage at the Walkway, Sandhaven, South Shields.
South Tyneside Cllr Ernest Gibson with new Covid signage at the Walkway, Sandhaven, South Shields.
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Warning over crowds at seafront as Council asks people not to travel outside are...

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “We know how difficult the restrictions are for everyone, but we must all continue to work together to reduce the spread of coronavirus in our communities while the vaccination programme is rolled out.

“Although South Tyneside is a great place to live and visit and our coastline is beautiful, we are appealing for visitors to stay away at this time.

“Residents should not be travelling long distances for their exercise with plenty of parks and open spaces across the borough for people to enjoy safely and close to home."

The new signs aim to remind the public to stay at home and keep their distance.The new signs aim to remind the public to stay at home and keep their distance.
The new signs aim to remind the public to stay at home and keep their distance.
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Cllr Gibson added that the council is taking a ‘balanced approach’ and said: “We appreciate that for many people local to the beach, a regular walk along the seafront can be good for body and mind.”

The council has also started to clear windswept sand from paths to widen walkways and officers have been out to speak to businesses operating in the area to ensure measures are in place to protect staff and customers.

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