Residents in Dorset are calling for a ban on tourists after thousands flocked to beaches and beauty spots over the final May weekend, leading to chaotic scenes at Durdle Door. Three men were hospitalised after jumping from 200-foot cliffs, prompting the evacuation of sunbathers.
Two women, Cathrine Merrifield and Merrilie Hussey, have launched separate petitions urging the government to restrict travel between UK counties as lockdown measures ease. Ms Hussey's Change.org petition, titled 'Stop people travelling to beaches from other counties', warns of increased transmission risk, traffic, litter, and fires.
Ms Merrifield admitted her goal to 'stop people leaving counties during lockdown' was 'unrealistic' but hoped to raise awareness. She said: 'The public are ignoring our pleas, our road closures and our amazing social distancing. This will bring about a second wave.'
Both petitions collectively garnered over 5,000 signatures within a day, reflecting growing frustration among locals who say 'Dorset is closed' until it is safe to visit.
