BOURNEMOUTH beach contrasted the scenes last weekend, as members of the public listened to the government’s guidelines and stayed home.

Last weekend, people flocked to the beauty spots to make the most of the good weather.

Dorset’s coastline was packed with members of the public ignoring government advice and on Monday prime minster Boris Johnson put the country on lockdown to help fight coronavirus.

On Saturday, barring a few walkers and cyclists, most of which were in small groups or with family, the beach was empty.

There were also few people in the town as the vast majority of shops were closed.

The BH2 leisure complex was shut, with shutters up in the windows.

On the beach, the pier’s screen flicked between ‘stay home’ and ‘essential travel only’ messages.

Seafront carparks have closed and some are cordoned off in an attempt to further deter people from visiting the town.

Boris Johnson said people weren’t to leave their house unless they were shopping for essentials like food, collecting medicine or helping a vulnerable person, getting one bit of exercise a day or travelling to and from work.

However, a number of people have been travelling to places like Bournemouth beach to walk dogs, for example.

Police have been patrolling the town asking people why they are out and sending people home where necessary.

One woman was arrested in Bournemouth for breaching a dispersal notice.

Police officers also stopped a jet skier near Hengistbury Head and one in Poole Harbour.