Formby politicians are calling for change after an influx of day-trippers meant local residents were “trapped in their own homes” this weekend.
Some sun-seekers had travelled as far as from Leeds and Stockport to Formby beach, in blatant breaches of current lockdown restrictions.
Lines of double-parked cars meant many of the village’s roads were effectively one-way only, with many frustrated home-owners unable to go out.
Hundreds of cars were turned away from the National Trust car park yesterday, with police handing out 20 coronavirus fines.
The streets surrounding the beach were gridlocked and the car park was full by 11am.
Officers from Merseyside Police slammed those “flagrantly flouting the rules” and said people should be following the guidelines “now more than ever”, so that we can meet the criteria for easing lockdown restrictions in the months ahead.
MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson has called those travelling from outside the region “deeply irresponsible”.
Mr Esterson said: “While it may be tempting to leave your area for travel and leisure, people should be acting responsibly so that infection rates continue to drop.
“The police are doing an excellent job ensuring the safety of local residents, but the public must play their part in suppressing the virus.
“Unless we prevent infection, new variants of the virus will develop which may be resistant to the virus.
“We are so close to the finish line, as Sefton’s cases edge closer to dropping below 100 cases per 100,000. Let’s not ruin it now.”
Labour councillor Carla Thomas is urging people to be considerate and “apply common sense” when parking on pavements.
In a tweet, Cllr Thomas said: “Please consider the needs of others and apply common sense.
“Please leave enough space for wheelchairs/ prams to pass.”
On Saturday, Formby Conservative Councillor Denise Dutton tweeted, saying: “Harington Road, Larkhill Lane, Kirklake Road and St Lukes Church Road, Formby all absolutely rammed with cars! Might be an idea for @MerseyPolice to pay a visit as I’m certain they’re not all ‘local’!”
Some people living in the area stressed they felt there were far too many visitors in Formby, especially with the country still in lockdown.
Alison James told hyperlocal blog Formby Bubble’s Facebook page: “It’s been a problem for years in Formby, more so now, due to Covid.”
One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the ECHO : “I was literally trapped in my own home.
“There were cars double parked right the way down the street and as I have a baby it meant we couldn’t go out whatsoever on Saturday or Sunday.
“I get that other people want to, and should be able to, visit the beach, I just wish people wouldn’t be so selfish when it comes to parking.”
Other people were more positive about people visiting the coastline.
Elle Bees said: “It was a beautiful day at the beach, nobody was bumping into each other, lots of social distancing. People need a release from what has become a very mundane life.
“I didn’t witness any large crowds or people mingling, just merely people getting fresh sea air into their lungs.”
Anthony Taafe said: “I walked up to the beach with my partner in the summer and got shouted at by a fellow resident saying I didn’t belong here and go back to me own area! I was like I am?!”
Sefton Council issued a plea to beachgoers to stick to the rules, on its social media pages this weekend.
A council spokeswoman said: “Sefton’s coastline is stunning and thankfully it’s not going anywhere. It will still be here ready to welcome people back when it is safe to do so – but now is still not that time.
“It was incredibly disappointing to see people travelling from far and wide to the coast over the weekend.
“We understand that people are looking ahead to the easing of lockdown measures, but we’re not quite there just yet, and if people don’t continue to follow the restrictions it could mean that infection rates rise again in our communities.
“Our beach car parks remain closed and stringent parking restrictions are in place as we address parking concerns locally, with our enforcement officers working in conjunction with colleagues from Merseyside Police.
“At this time, we need people to continue to think about their safety and the safety of others.”
The National Trust is also encouraging people to follow government guidance, saying: “The outdoor spaces we care for in England remain open for local visitors, in line with government guidance.
“The safety of our staff, volunteers and the local community remains our priority.”
