ORGANISATIONS across Dorset have yet again urged people not to visit Dorset and asked residents to think carefully about where they are going.

The message comes after thousands flocked to Dorset last weekend, packing beauty spots like Durdle Door.

Leader of Dorset Council, Spencer Flower, said: “Last weekend saw issues in popular destinations with littering, people urinating and defecating in public, people camping overnight and people having dangerous campfires and barbecues, despite extensive warnings against this from all local agencies.

“We were very disappointed to see huge numbers of visitors ignoring manned roadblocks. Council employees were abused by the members of the public as they tried to manage the traffic. This is not acceptable.

“We are meeting with stakeholders this week, including MPs, landowners and police to agree a plan which we hope will help manage the huge visitor numbers to the Lulworth area.”

Bournemouth Echo:

BCP Council Leader Cllr Vikki Slade added: “Everyone without exception needs to think twice before visiting, take responsibility for their actions and respect the social distancing guidance.

“Whilst most people behaved sensibly, it is clear that many did not. Our bins were not at capacity along the seafront, yet people left 10 tonnes of litter on our beaches.

“Our parking restrictions are clear, yet people parked dangerously on double yellow lines and pavements, blocked driveways and made it difficult for emergency vehicle to pass.

“We have many toilets open, yet people relieved themselves behind our beach-huts.

This behaviour is completely unacceptable at any time, and particularly when we are all still urged to stay home as much as possible and observe social distancing.”

Over the weekend, staff and volunteers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI, Dorset Police, Dorset and Wilshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service Trust and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were all involved in responding to irresponsible behaviour.

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Despite the fact the government is asking people to stay at home whenever possible, demand on policing in the county is as high now as it was the same time last year before the pandemic.

“Incidents such as the ones we dealt with at Durdle Door means our officers are unable to respond as quickly to other priority calls and incidents. We yet again urge people to act responsibly, use their common sense and make the moral decision to go home if an area looks too busy.

“Keep in mind the purpose of the regulations and the national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.”

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Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell added: “We have had some very significant incidents since the lockdown measures have been eased.

“One of the biggest risks we face as the local fire and rescue service, is the irresponsible use of portable barbecues and people having campfires.

“With conditions as dry as they are, we would urge everyone to think twice about having any barbecues or campfires at this time.

“Fires can quickly start and rapidly get out of hand. This is not only dangerous for my firefighters but also often causes lasting damage to our beautiful countryside as we have recently seen in Wareham forest.”