Cornish locals slam 'Benidorm on steroids' beaches and say 'they're too SCARED to go out'

CORNISH locals have slammed visitors for turning their beaches into "Benidorm on steroids," leaving residents too SCARED to leave their homes.

Street marshals have been patrolling hotspots in Cornwall after "stampedes" of visitors were seen not social distancing, despite warning signs being put in place. 

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Brits to enjoy staycations in the UK, however, the reaction hasn't been received well by Cornwall's locals.

One resident spoke on BBC Radio 1 this morning and described the area as "Benidorm on steroids."

A St Ives resident who manages holiday lets, Claire Harris, 37, said her family was "too scared to go food shopping."

She revealed that she has banned her children from the main street and harbour because of the crowds of people flocking to the seaside.

Another resident, Jonathan Pitts, told the BBC that he believes tourists think they are escaping coronavirus when they visit the quiet towns.   

'BENIDORM ON STERIODS'

Cornwall relies on tourism – and the sector contributes millions of pounds to its economy every year.

Yesterday mercury hit 37.8C in London yesterday – making it the third-hottest day in the UK EVER as Brits swarmed beaches along the coast.

However, with highs of 35C expected next weekend, the crowds in Cornwall don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Vicky White, from Newyln, said: "It makes me very uneasy to go out with my two young kids. 

"It is sad for residents to not be able to enjoy where they live."

And staff members from Perranzabuloe's convenience stores have reportedly been subjected to "unreal" amounts of abuse when they try and enforce social-distancing measures.  

Royden Paynter, harbour master at Mousehole, said: "Suddenly we've been hit with a stampede.

"Everybody is a bit more stressed this year – they don't move out of your way."

SUMMER BUZZ

This comes as an extra £500,000 was given to Devon and Cornwall Police in July to help the community manage the pandemic this summer.

But Adrienne Munday, a small business owner there, said Covid-19 concerns had been "over dramatised" and most people were delighted to welcome back the "summer buzz."  

Coronavirus cases have more than doubled in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – with 20 new cases in the week up to July 26, compared to 14 new cases in the week before.    

A Cornwall Council spokesperson said: "To help guide people in city and town centres we have marked 'keep right' walkways and put up signing, and there are street wardens on hand to offer advice.

"Cornwall Council will continue to monitor congested sites and provide signs and marshals where they may help, but we ask everyone to be considerate of others and follow public health guidance to help reduce the risk of transmission."

Malcolm Bell from Visit Cornwall said: "It seems busier than ever but we are actually below the normal peak levels".

He advised people to "plan ahead and be prepared to change your plans when volumes of people make social distancing difficult".

Source: Read Full Article