BOURNEMOUTH MP Conor Burns has written to Michael Gove suggesting government guidance should deter the type of behaviour witnessed on Dorset beaches last weekend.

Mr Burns said he has watched in horror and disbelief over the last three weeks as the situation on the beaches has deteriorated.

He wrote: “The alarming number of people descending on the beach means that social distancing has gone completely out of the window, as has BCP Council’s ability to control parking anywhere near the beach as a means of limiting numbers.

“At one point during the weekend just passed, there were 35 cars with parking enforcement tickets on them on the road outside my own home.

“Whilst the government’s advice is underpinned by the transmission rate, and on urging people to use their common sense as the lockdown is eased, it is very, very clear from local experience this weekend in Bournemouth and Poole that people have completely abandoned common sense.”

Mr Burns added that he has stopped taking his daily walk along the beach due to the potential health risk.

He also said issues like piles of litter, fires in rubbish bins and people urinating behind beach huts has made life unpleasant for his constituents.

He continued: “My constituents are very conscious that we in the south west region and in Bournemouth and Poole specifically have been blessed by very low numbers of Covid-19 infections and deaths.

“I pay tribute to all of those who have followed the guidance in order to keep themselves and their neighbours safe.

“Perhaps government needs to discourage this irresponsible behaviour?

“If localised outbreaks of Covid-19 will generate a localised response as we move to future stages of our recovery strategy, perhaps we might consider operating a localised approach to guidance for leisure destinations such as Bournemouth and Poole, in the interests of the safety and wellbeing of local residents.

“I would welcome your comments.”

Mr Burns is yet to receive a reply from Mr Gove.