The COVID Diaries – 89 25th June
The sweltering heat today and the response which led to half a million people travelling to Bournemouth and other Dorset beaches resulted in a major incident being declared by the local council. A multi-agency emergency response was instituted to tackle issues ranging from overcrowding on the beaches, traffic gridlock and violence. Security guards had to be used to protect refuse collection teams.
The council said services were left “completely overstretched” as visitors arrived in huge volumes resulting in widespread illegal parking, gridlock on roads, excessive waste, antisocial behaviour including excessive drinking and fights together with prohibited overnight camping.