Morecambe Town Council

The leaders of three local authorities bordering Morecambe Bay have asked people to think twice before visiting the area.

The councils have spoken out as a united front following recent government guidance lifting limits on how far people can drive to enjoy open spaces.

Ahead of what would normally be expected to be a busy bank holiday weekend, Lancaster City Council, South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council are all concerned about the potential impact extra visitors may have on the coronavirus infection rate.

Despite the lifting of restrictions, with people now allowed to drive anywhere in the UK for exercise, the leaders of all three local authorities say now is not the time to take a trip to Morecambe Bay.

Although the views remain among the best in the UK, the infrastructure and amenities are not operating as usual, with many cafes, businesses and attractions closed.

Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “The government guidance may have changed but that does not mean we should cast aside common sense.

“The safety and well-being of our communities remains paramount and the last thing any of us wants to see is a spike in the infection rate that leads to further deaths from coronavirus.

“We all need to be responsible and control the spread of the virus and this is not the time for people to rush back to the area. 

“Our beautiful coastline will still be there for people when all of this is over and we can welcome visitors back properly, with a full range of amenities and facilities for them to enjoy.

“To beat the virus we all need to stay safe and stay local.”

SLDC Leader, Councillor Giles Archibald, said: “The communities around Morecambe Bay are home to many and varied outdoor spaces. We have always been proud to share them with others – but we must continue to ask people to stay local to their homes at the moment.

“While the rates of coronavirus infections and deaths are lessening, the danger to us all is still very real.

“Of course, we cannot stop people coming if they wish and we ask anybody who does travel here to behave with respect and care – respecting the communities being visited, respecting the risk of spreading the disease, and respecting the rules of observing social distancing and avoiding crowds, washing hands regularly, as well as no overnight stays, no camping and no visiting second homes.

“If you do decide to defer your visit until safer times, we thank you and look forward to giving you a hearty welcome when you do come to see us.”

Councillor Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said:  “We’re incredibly proud of all that Barrow and Morecambe Bay have to offer and we understand people are keen to get out, enjoy some fresh air and to make the most of the bank holiday weekend ahead.

“However, it’s imperative we do everything possible to protect our communities from the further spread of this virus. The public can make a vital contribution to these efforts by postponing their visit to our coastline for the time being.

“We’ll look forward to welcoming people back as soon as we can.”

Anyone that does choose to visit the area is asked to carefully consider both their own well-being and that of the communities they are visiting:

  • Keep your distance – observe social distancing and stay 2 metres apart from other people
  • Avoid hotspots and busy spots – everyone has their favourite places, but if large numbers of people all head to the same place, it becomes impossible to safely socially distance, putting you, your family and others at risk. If you arrive at a site that is already busy, please find an alternative
  • Bring your own food and drink to avoid pressure on local shops. Many cafes and restaurants are closed and supermarkets are busy servicing locals
  • Consider the lack of toilet and washing facilities and don’t behave in an anti-social manner
  • Don’t put yourself at risk – it could lead to additional pressures on the emergency services if you require assistance.
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Stay alert, be kind and respect one another

25,660 Comments

  1. 26/06/2020
  2. 29/06/2020
  3. RebeccaBeics
    03/07/2020
  4. LonnyWeire
    07/07/2020
  5. LonnyWeire
    07/07/2020
  6. 07/07/2020
  7. 08/07/2020
  8. 08/07/2020
  9. Micheledaync
    09/07/2020
  10. 09/07/2020
  11. 09/07/2020
  12. 09/07/2020
  13. 09/07/2020
  14. 09/07/2020
  15. 09/07/2020
  16. 09/07/2020
  17. 10/07/2020
  18. DonnaTum
    11/07/2020
  19. DonnaTum
    14/07/2020
  20. Micheledaync
    15/07/2020
  21. 16/07/2020
  22. 16/07/2020
  23. 16/07/2020
  24. 16/07/2020
  25. RobertTot
    19/07/2020
  26. GeorgeBof
    19/07/2020
  27. AllysonHar
    20/07/2020
  28. 20/07/2020
  29. Justinbah
    20/07/2020
  30. 21/07/2020
  31. AllysonHar
    21/07/2020
  32. 22/07/2020
  33. 23/07/2020
  34. 30/07/2020
  35. MichaelAmuth
    09/08/2020
  36. 16/08/2020
  37. Justinbah
    17/08/2020
  38. 22/08/2020
  39. 22/08/2020
  40. 22/08/2020
  41. 23/08/2020
  42. 23/08/2020
  43. 23/08/2020
  44. 24/08/2020
  45. 24/08/2020
  46. 24/08/2020
  47. 24/08/2020
  48. 24/08/2020
  49. 24/08/2020
  50. 25/08/2020
  51. 25/08/2020
  52. 25/08/2020
  53. 26/08/2020
  54. 26/08/2020
  55. 26/08/2020
  56. 26/08/2020
  57. 26/08/2020
  58. 26/08/2020
  59. 27/08/2020
  60. 27/08/2020
  61. 27/08/2020
  62. 27/08/2020
  63. 27/08/2020
  64. 27/08/2020
  65. 28/08/2020
  66. 28/08/2020
  67. 29/08/2020
  68. 30/08/2020
  69. 31/08/2020
  70. 31/08/2020
  71. 31/08/2020
  72. 01/09/2020
  73. 01/09/2020
  74. 02/09/2020
  75. 02/09/2020
  76. 02/09/2020
  77. 02/09/2020
  78. 03/09/2020
  79. 03/09/2020
  80. 03/09/2020
  81. 04/09/2020
  82. 05/09/2020
  83. 06/09/2020
  84. 06/09/2020
  85. 06/09/2020
  86. 06/09/2020
  87. 07/09/2020
  88. 07/09/2020
  89. 07/09/2020
  90. 07/09/2020
  91. 07/09/2020
  92. 07/09/2020
  93. 07/09/2020
  94. 08/09/2020
  95. 08/09/2020
  96. 08/09/2020
  97. Matthewkex
    08/09/2020
  98. 08/09/2020
  99. 08/09/2020
  100. 08/09/2020
  101. Justinbah
    09/09/2020
  102. 09/09/2020
    • GeorgeBof
      28/01/2022
    • Steventeply
      02/02/2022
  103. 09/09/2020
  104. 10/09/2020
  105. 10/09/2020
  106. 10/09/2020
  107. 11/09/2020
  108. 11/09/2020
  109. 12/09/2020
  110. 12/09/2020
  111. 12/09/2020
  112. 12/09/2020
  113. 13/09/2020
  114. 13/09/2020
  115. 13/09/2020
  116. 13/09/2020
  117. 13/09/2020
  118. 14/09/2020
  119. 14/09/2020
  120. 15/09/2020
  121. 15/09/2020
  122. 15/09/2020
  123. 17/09/2020
  124. 17/09/2020
  125. 17/09/2020
  126. 18/09/2020
  127. 18/09/2020
  128. 18/09/2020
  129. 18/09/2020
  130. 18/09/2020
  131. MariaHoict
    18/09/2020
  132. 18/09/2020
  133. 18/09/2020
  134. 18/09/2020
  135. 19/09/2020
  136. 19/09/2020
  137. 20/09/2020
  138. 20/09/2020
  139. 20/09/2020
  140. 20/09/2020
  141. 20/09/2020
  142. 20/09/2020
  143. 20/09/2020
  144. 21/09/2020
  145. 23/09/2020
  146. 23/09/2020
  147. 24/09/2020
  148. 24/09/2020
  149. 25/09/2020
  150. 27/09/2020
  151. 27/09/2020
  152. 27/09/2020
  153. 27/09/2020
  154. 27/09/2020
  155. 27/09/2020
  156. 27/09/2020
  157. 29/09/2020
  158. 30/09/2020
  159. 30/09/2020
  160. 30/09/2020
  161. 30/09/2020
  162. 30/09/2020
  163. 01/10/2020
  164. 01/10/2020
  165. 02/10/2020
  166. 02/10/2020
  167. 02/10/2020
  168. 02/10/2020
  169. 03/10/2020
  170. 03/10/2020
  171. 03/10/2020
  172. 03/10/2020
  173. 03/10/2020
  174. 03/10/2020
  175. 04/10/2020
  176. 04/10/2020
  177. 04/10/2020
  178. 04/10/2020
  179. 05/10/2020
  180. 05/10/2020
  181. 05/10/2020
  182. 05/10/2020
    • 19/04/2022
    • 20/04/2022
    • 21/04/2022
  183. 08/10/2020
  184. 09/10/2020
  185. 09/10/2020
  186. 09/10/2020
  187. 09/10/2020
  188. 09/10/2020
  189. 09/10/2020
  190. 10/10/2020
  191. 10/10/2020
  192. 10/10/2020
  193. 10/10/2020
  194. 10/10/2020
  195. 11/10/2020
  196. 11/10/2020
  197. 12/10/2020
  198. 12/10/2020
  199. 13/10/2020
  200. 13/10/2020
  201. 13/10/2020
  202. 13/10/2020
  203. 14/10/2020
  204. 14/10/2020
  205. 14/10/2020
  206. 14/10/2020
  207. 15/10/2020
  208. 16/10/2020
  209. 16/10/2020
  210. 16/10/2020
  211. 17/10/2020
  212. 18/10/2020
  213. 19/10/2020
  214. 19/10/2020
  215. 19/10/2020
  216. 19/10/2020
  217. 19/10/2020
  218. 20/10/2020
  219. 20/10/2020
  220. 20/10/2020
  221. 20/10/2020
  222. 23/10/2020
  223. 23/10/2020
  224. 23/10/2020
  225. 23/10/2020
  226. 23/10/2020
  227. 23/10/2020
  228. 23/10/2020
  229. 24/10/2020
  230. 24/10/2020
  231. 24/10/2020
  232. 24/10/2020
  233. 26/10/2020
  234. 27/10/2020
  235. 27/10/2020
  236. 27/10/2020
  237. 28/10/2020
  238. 28/10/2020
  239. 29/10/2020
  240. 29/10/2020
  241. 30/10/2020
  242. 30/10/2020
  243. 31/10/2020
  244. 31/10/2020
  245. 31/10/2020
  246. 31/10/2020
  247. 01/11/2020
  248. 01/11/2020
  249. 02/11/2020
  250. 02/11/2020
  251. 02/11/2020
  252. 03/11/2020
  253. 03/11/2020
  254. 03/11/2020
  255. 03/11/2020
  256. 03/11/2020
  257. 03/11/2020
  258. 03/11/2020
  259. 04/11/2020
  260. 04/11/2020
  261. CynthiaFuh
    04/11/2020
  262. 04/11/2020
  263. 04/11/2020
  264. 04/11/2020
  265. 04/11/2020
  266. 04/11/2020
  267. 05/11/2020
  268. 06/11/2020