Dorset residents are calling for a ban on visitors as thousands of tourists continue to descend on the region’s beaches and beauty spots.
Two women, Cathrine Merrifield and Merrilie Hussey, have started separate petitions urging the Government to restrict travel between UK counties as lockdown measures ease.
Their complaints followed an influx of visitors to the area over the final May weekend, which saw chaotic scenes at Durdle Door beach.
Three men were rushed to hospital after leaping from 200ft-high cliffs into the sea on Saturday, sparking the evacuation of thousands of sunseekers.
Ms Hussey issued an impassioned message accompanying her Change.org petition, titled ‘Stop people travelling to beaches from other counties’.
She wrote: “These tourists are bringing not only the risk of transmission but increased traffic risking our public services.
“Rubbish risking our environment. Barbeques and fires causing out of control fires that have been spreading.
“Whilst I appreciate people come here for the outstanding beauty and amazing beaches it is not appropriate and we do not want the tourists right now.”
Meanwhile, in her own public plea, Ms Merrifield conceded that her goal to “stop people leaving counties during lockdown” was “unrealistic”.
However, she added: “Even if it does not bring around change at least spread awareness.
“The public are ignoring our pleas, our road closures and our amazing social distancing.
“Everyone wants to be able to enjoy there time outside but when it is safe to do so. This will bring about a second wave, the science is already showing the risk of this."
She continued: “I have had people reach out to me from other counties experiencing the same issues.
“We do not want people travelling and increasing our r rate. The south west has now got the fastest increasing infection rate.
“Please share and let's spread the message – Dorset is closed.”
Between them, the two petitions hit more than 5,000 signatures in less than a day.
