AS LARGE numbers of people continue to head to Dorset beauty spots this weekend, authorities are urging the public local communities and to stay safe.

A joint statement from Dorset Council and Dorset Police is urging people to head home if the area they have travelled to is busy.

Jonathan Mair, Dorset Council’s corporate director and duty gold command officer, said:“It is vital that everyone continues to act responsibly. This weekend, with continued good weather, the number of visitors to the county has increased significantly. This is putting pressure on local beauty spots and beaches and we are seeing people not able to social distance properly.

“Unfortunately a number of people are parking inconsiderately and sometimes dangerously. We have taken measures to close a number of roads in the county today for safety reasons.

“If an area is busy, please head home and don’t add to the crowds. Our priority is to protect residents and visitors health and wellbeing and for them to stay safe.”

The government’s health advice currently states people should stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of the coronavirus

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “The images circulated from Durdle Door yesterday show that too many people made the decision to go the beach rather than going elsewhere.

“The critical incident that occurred in this area demonstrates how important it is to act responsibly and not overcrowd our beaches.

“If an emergency situation arises, we need to be able to clear an area to allow for the treatment of seriously injured people. As there were too many people on the beach, we had no option but to put people together in to allocated areas to allow helicopters to land.

“Yet again, we would remind the public that if an area looks too busy, please go home or elsewhere.

“We enforce the law and not Government guidance or advice so we are unable to enforce social distancing, the wearing of masks or avoiding public transport.

“I am encouraging you all to do the right thing to avoid spreading the virus and reduce the impact on local communities.”