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Whitstable beach-goers labelled 'spectacularly selfish' as they leave seafront bins overflowing during lockdown visit

By: Joe Wright jwright@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 09:54, 28 February 2021

Updated: 10:16, 28 February 2021

Resembling the aftermath of a busy summer weekend, overflowing bins on Whitstable beach have angered town residents who are calling on "spectacularly selfish" people to be stopped from coming.

A large number of families flocked to the seafront yesterday to soak up the warm weather despite government guidance to stay local during lockdown.

One of the many overflowing bins pictured this morning. Picture: David Cramphorn

Yesterday's events, which mirrored the crowds of last weekend, have sparked calls for a clamp down on those travelling to the coast for a day out.

In response, Kent crime commissioner Matthew Scott says police are "doing their best to be proactive" and are "ramping up the enforcement activity".

Covid cases in Whitstable are falling, yet in the neighbouring Thanet district, figures have increased week-on-week for the first time since early January.

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People are now concerned Whitstable could follow suit if out-of-town visitors continue to come.

Former Canterbury City Council leader Simon Cook posted on Twitter, writing: "Having seen pictures on social media today I simply cannot believe everyone on the seafront at Whitstable is from the town.

Beer bottles left along the seafront. Picture: David Cramphorn
Litter left on Whitstable beach. Picture: David Cramphorn

"And I know @kent_police are trying to be pragmatic in their enforcement of lockdown restrictions but surely there comes a point that they have to at least remind people that there is a pandemic and stop them being spectacularly selfish."

Responding to Mr Cook, crime commissioner Matthew Scott stated his officers "are doing their best to be proactive and engaging with people, as well as ramping up the enforcement activity."

Last weekend Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield described photos of a crowded town centre as “worrying”.

“Lockdown is still very much in place,” she responded.

“Lovely to get out for exercise in Whitstable now the sun’s here but social distancing is as important as ever and these pictures are pretty worrying.”

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For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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