Dorset Police prepare for ‘surge’ of visitors

THERE are calls for calm as Dorset prepares for a surge of visitors this weekend when lockdown restrictions ease.

The hospitality industry will reopen on what has been dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ and for the first time in months, people will be able to visit most of their favourite bars and restaurants.

Dorset Police hope to avoid a repeat of last week when chaotic scenes saw a major incident declared in Bournemouth as thousands of people defied advice and descended on its beaches on the hottest day of the year.

At the same time, litter, disposable barbecues and human faeces were left at beauty spots such as Durdle Door and left for the community to clean up afterwards.

There have been reports of a surge in bookings across hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said:

We know our tourism industry has been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and there is a need to welcome responsible tourists back.

However, this needs to be done safely while appreciating the fears our resident communities may have with many thousands of people coming back to our region – with the health concerns this may bring.

We must follow Government advice and guidance as to what is safe, but we would ask all people – whether you are a visitor or a resident – to be respectful and begin to enjoy parts of life none of us have experienced since the end of March.

Dorset Police are expecting a surge in demand for police and other emergency services from this weekend, throughout the summer season, to September.

More officers will be out on patrol in Dorset to help popular areas such as Weymouth and Bournemouth.

Calls to 999 and 101 increase by 10 to 14 per cent during the summer season, which officers and staff will be prioritising, according to threat, risk, harm and vulnerability – which means some less urgent matters may take longer to attend.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said:

If you are coming to Dorset, we welcome you as a responsible citizen, but please be aware COVID-19 has not gone away.

Social distancing still needs to be observed and everyone must play their part to prevent the virus spreading and not bring further misery upon our communities.

Play your part and behave in a way that respects our communities, supports the local economy, but ultimately keep yourself and others safe.