Swanage Fire crew, responding to reports of a fire at Shell Bay Beach, arrived this morning to discover a family camping on the beach.
Swanage Fire Station reported:
”On arrival, we found a family that had travelled some distance and had camped overnight and were having a campfire. With the help of the police they were told to pack up and go home and fines were issued.”
The crew extinguished the fire using buckets of water.
“It’s unbelievable”
Swanage Fire Station added:
“Overnight camping and fires are not allowed on Studland Beach anyway but it’s unbelievable that people are going out and doing this sort of thing when they should be at home. Please Stay Home!
People are being reminded that Dorset is not currently a place to visit while travel restrictions remain in place to stop the spread of coronavirus from other areas.
Purbeck Police are actively patrolling the coastline
Trips to the beach are not going undetected. Purbeck Police are actively patrolling the coastline and many local residents are spotting tourists and reporting them to 101.
Dorset Police said:
“Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People must remain in their primary residence.
“We’ve been given additional powers to fine those refusing to follow government instructions so please stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
