People heading for Formby beach got stuck in huge queues today, despite people being warned against visiting the coast during lockdown.
Traffic was backed up and roads surrounding Formby and Freshfields became gridlocked throughout the day.
The car park at Freshfield had to operate a one in one out system to cope with traffic.
Crowds of people packed the beaches, with many even taking a dip in the Irish Sea.
Earlier this month, lockdown rules were relaxed to allow people to spend as much time as they want outdoors, and people were told they were able to enjoy sunbathing or going for a picnic. But Sefton Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Ian Moncur, went on to urge people not to visit the coastline’s beaches.
He said such spaces are unable to cope with a large number of visitors who need to stick to social distancing guidelines, so spending time at them could put people at risk of spreading and catching the coronavirus.
But as the temperatures soared today on bank holiday Monday, people headed to the beach to soak up the sun.
Today, Labour MP Bill Esterson tweeted to say: “Large groups at Formby and Crosby beaches. Extended families and people from different households. Clearly not following the guidelines. So unfair on people living nearby. Please don't throw away all the hard work and sacrifices made by so many of us in tackling this crisis.”
And with temperatures expected to climb even higher this week, there are fears the crowds at the beach could continue.
Labour councillor Nina Killen, tweeted this afternoon to say: “I fear Formby beach traffic will be even worse at the end of the week with temperatures predicted to be in the mid 20s. I have asked @ seftoncouncil to consider an emergency traffic and parking plan.”
