THE Dorset Council leader is urging the public to “think twice” before visiting the county, as the Government begins easing national lockdown restrictions.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on May 10, confirming the public can travel to open spaces irrespective of distance, Dorset councillors and residents have raised concerns over the impact this may have in their villages and towns.

The authority fears that more visitors and day-trippers in Dorset could lead to further spreading of the coronavirus and an increase in the county’s infection rate.

There are also concerns for the older population of Dorset, many already with health conditions, that are more vulnerable to illness.

As a result, the county council has decided car parks at various visitor destinations, including beaches and country parks, will remain closed at this early stage.

Public toilets will also remain closed due to the difficulty for social distancing to be maintained at these facilities.

Some council-run car parks in towns and villages across Dorset have remained open through the Covid-19 outbreak for residents.

These will continue operating with the reintroduced parking charges.

“Our overriding priority is the safety and wellbeing of Dorset residents,” said Dorset Council leader, Spencer Flower.

He added: “We want to discourage people from outside the county and from areas with a higher rate of infection than Dorset from visiting our beaches and beauty spots, and inadvertently spreading the virus to local people.”

Dorset Council is currently working with partners, including Dorset Police, to constantly monitor and review the situation.

Councillor Flower added: “We will adapt our approach when the situation changes.”

Dorset Council said that residents have “co-operated well” with the previous lockdown measures, as beaches and beauty spots have remained very quiet, even across the bank holiday weekends.

Councillor Flower said: “People who may be thinking of visiting Dorset from elsewhere in the country need to ask themselves, is this safe? Is this fair?

“We really look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful county in future, but it’s too early to take the risk right now.

“Thinking of visiting Dorset now? Please think twice.”