Published: Wednesday, 3rd June 2020
As lockdown restrictions are eased across the UK the borough council has put many measures in place to help visitors to our coast adhere to Government guidance.
Regular hand washing/sanitising is recommended, along with the wearing of face coverings where appropriate. The Government has issued guidance on safe travel, which includes a checklist of planning a journey and what to take. The council is encouraging visitors to follow this advice.
Cllr Stuart Dark, Cabinet Member for Emergency Planning/Covid-19 Response at the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “When travelling restrictions were eased earlier in May we knew people would choose to come and visit the beautiful coast around west Norfolk.
“Although we did not actively encourage day trippers we wanted to make it safe for visitors who choose to come here while also keeping it safe for residents who live in our coastal communities and minimise the impact on them.
“Signage was placed around Heacham North and South Beaches, as well as Hunstanton, reminding visitors to follow social distancing guidance and to keep 2 metres apart where possible. In addition the path from the Cliff Top car park to the beach in Hunstanton has been widened and external wash basins placed in the resort.
“Car parks are open, so that visitors can get in, get parked and easily get to the beach, promenade and The Green with as little affect as possible on the local community. There is also a one-way system on the ramps to and from the beach for pedestrians to use to maintain social distancing.
“Borough council officers have been patrolling the coastline from Brancaster, round to Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham each weekend to help vendors and ensure social distancing occurs.
“I appreciate the responsible businesses who have had to close to contain the virus and look forward to seeing them reopen in the future. I would also like to thank the traders who have been able to operate within the new guidelines and have adapted their businesses to keep customers and staff safe.”
“An external wash basin has also been placed on North Beach in Heacham for visitors to use to keep their hands clean and another is planned for South Beach in Heacham.
“If people choose to come to West Norfolk we want to create a safe environment for visitors and residents to reduce the risk of infection. I ask that all tourists respect local residents and stick to Government guidance which includes limiting contact with others, keeping your distance if you go out, 2 metres where possible, and washing your hands regularly.”
Until further guidance is received, many retail and leisure premises will remain closed, including the chalets in Hunstanton. No entertainment has been booked for The Green. Public toilets are open, but people are advised that maintaining social distancing in public toilets is virtually impossible. People may wish to take this risk into account when making their decision to travel.
Non-essential retail businesses that are planning to reopen from 15 June are advised to follow the five steps to working safely:
- Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment. The Health and Safety Executive provide a guide for this: https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm
- Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures.
- Help people to work from home.
- Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible.
- Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk.
More details to help businesses can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
It is advised that local business owners speak to neighbouring businesses before reopening to discuss any potential impact on each other’s premises, along with any access or queuing concerns.
The following links are the Government Guidance on Travel and an information sheet.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
To Download the parking app for west Norfolk car parks, please go to https://secure.mipermit.com/parkingoperations/Register/PayAndStayRegister.aspx
Non-essential retail businesses that are planning to reopen from 15 June are advised to follow the five steps to working safely: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/5-steps-to-working-safely
This includes carrying out a risk assessment: https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
Responsibly supporting the Covid-19 Recovery Strategy
STAY ALERT – CONTROL THE VIRUS – SAVE LIVES