A warning has been issued to Nottingham holidaymakers planning a trip to Skegness once lockdown is due to be lifted later this year.
The UK remains under lockdown which means all would-be visitors from Nottingham and the rest of the East Midlands are unable to travel to the Lincolnshire coast for the time being.
But restrictions are set to be eased in time for summer and, with the Lincolnshire coast so popular with visitors from the East Midlands, the local council there is appealing for those who descend on the coast to be respectful "after a very tough year".
It comes after pictures emerged of busy scenes at tourist hotspots such as Skegness beach last weekend amid the sunny weather.
East Lindsey District Council has launched its 'Call for Care' campaign ahead of restrictions being lifted - and it is aimed at potential visitors from Nottingham and elsewhere in the UK.
Council leader councillor Craig Leyland said: “After an incredibly tough year, it is fantastic to have a light at the end of the tunnel and to be closer to a return to a more normal way of life.
"However, we also know that the prospect of a sudden influx of visitors is a concern for many of our residents. We have seen, as the weather has improved, that our towns have become busier and that’s only likely to increase as lockdown measures begin to ease.
"That’s why we are launching this campaign. We want to work with visitors, residents, and businesses to ensure that we can welcome people back to the area in a way that keeps everyone as safe as possible."
He said communities had worked "exceptionally hard" over the last few months to abide by the lockdown and help drive down cases in the area.
"We want that to continue as we see visitors return," he said.
"So, we ask that visitors are aware of the latest guidance, ensuring they aren’t coming to the area whilst restrictions on travel remain, and to still follow Covid-19 safety measures when they are here.
"We’re also asking that visitors be considerate and help keep east Lincolnshire looking beautiful. Whether visiting our beaches and coastal communities, or our market towns and countryside, please remember to keep our area tidy, don’t litter and dispose of any waste responsibly.
"If visitors can work with us, and our residents and businesses, to care for our area, we can ensure that east Lincolnshire remains safe and ready to welcome people back throughout the year.”
