Controls will ensure Blackpool tourism reopens safely
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As attractions, pubs and restaurants welcome visitors back for the first time since March, town hall leaders said it was essential businesses acted responsibly.
At a meeting to discuss Blackpool’s tourism recovery plan, councillors warned an influx of visitors must not put the resort at risk of going into local lockdown if it sparked a renewed outbreak of Covid-19.
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Hide AdBut council officers said measures were in place to prevent this happening, while local infection rates were monitored daily and were currently low and dropping further.
Coun Michele Scott told a meeting of the Scrutiny Leadership Board: “Unfortunately while the vast majority of people, both residents and visitors, have behaved responsibly and followed the rules, there has been some irresponsible behaviour in terms of overcrowding on beaches.
“What are the contingency plans should a Leicester type situation arise as a consequence of the opening up of our town, ie a local lockdown?
“A lot of time and effort has gone into reopening facilities in our town. We may have to go back on that very quickly if we are put in a targeted lockdown situation.”
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Hide AdPhilip Welsh, head of communications at the council, said staff had been working closely with Blackpool’s public health department to monitor infection levels.
He said: “What none of us want to happen in Blackpool is what has just happened in Leicester.
“That’s why it’s absolutely crucial that whatever we open this weekend is a safe experience for people.
“We’ll have our enforcement officers out over the weekend and they have been briefing businesses on what they expect and want from them.”
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Hide AdThe meeting heard the police would also be involved in enforcement, while other services such as the Beach Patrol would also monitor the seafront.
Attractions and hotels have also been encouraged to sign up for Visit England’s Good to Go accreditation, with 100 Blackpool hotels and guesthouses already on board with the system which demonstrates a business has met the safety criteria.
Visit England will also feed back to the council any complaints about businesses which flout the safe trading measures.