Lockdown Meltdown

Coronavirus: Mercury Hits 77F

- Cyril Dixon

Crowds hit the beaches and beauty spots yesterday as the first Bank Holiday after strict lockdown was blessed with balmy weather.

Tens of thousands of people headed for seaside towns such as Bournemouth, Brighton and Southend to bask in temperatures rising to 77F (25C).

They ignored desperate stay away appeals from civic leaders but instead made the most of the newly relaxed travel and exercise restrictions.

Forecasters believe Britain is in for a sunny week and a prolonged spell of warm, dry weather could break new records. Bournemouth’s seafront resembled the Costa del Sol as hundreds of people gathered to create a social distancing nightmare.

Councillors urged people to think twice before visiting, after reopened car parks were full by lunch time. However, the sand, pier and attractions like mini golf remained packed.

One local insisted visitors were keeping two metres apart, adding: “It’s just like a normal bank holiday. Whether they’re from the same household, nobody knows. But they’re being sensible, I’m glad to see them enjoying themselves.”