MOST council-run car parks and public toilets in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will begin to reopen from Wednesday (May 13).

BCP Council has confirmed that it will bring all but one of its car parks and about half of its toilets back into use following the government's relaxation of coronavirus measures.

Its leader, councillor Vikki Slade, said the move was aimed at providing space for “local people” and continued to urge people from outside Dorset against visiting.

All but one of the council’s car parks will reopen from 8am on Wednesday. The exception is Undercliff Drive due to concerns it would restrict the ability to social distance on the promenade.

New Forest District Council will also bring its coastal car parks back into use from Wednesday.

Half of BCP Council's public toilets will also reopen starting on Saturday with seafront facilities being run on a rotational basis.

Others earmarked to be brought back into use include Hengistbury Head; Bournemouth Lower Gardens; Christchurch, Mudeford and Poole quays; and Upton Country Park.

Cleaning will be “enhanced” with staff also equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE).

The move follows the decision of the government to relax the measures it brought in to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

Access to both piers will be reinstated as well as to all of the council’s golf courses, mini golf courses, tennis courts, athletics tracks, skate parks and bowls centres.

Outdoor gyms and play areas will be kept closed.

The council has warned seafront facilities will remain “limited” with no deckchair hire, land trains, cliff lists, pier tolls, visitor centres or arcades running.

There will also be no lifeguards on any of the beaches in the conurbation.

Cllr Slade said she was “pleased” the facilities were being brought back into use but warned against people visiting from outside the county.

“The message to those outside of Dorset though is that we would like people to not come,” she said. “We need our open spaces for local people to get out and exercise.

“Other than operating takeaway services, our hotels, pubs and restaurants are closed and visits to second homes or self-catering accommodation are not permitted under the latest government guidance.”

She urged people to maintain “essential” social distancing and limiting contact with those outside their household when leaving their homes.

The council has warned it is willing to introduce “temporary access restrictions” should people not follow the guidance.

Key workers will continue to be allowed to use council on-street and off-street parking facilities without charge and with no time restrictions.