Council bosses are urging people to stay away from Southend this weekend amid fears warmer weather will attract visitors.

The Met Office is forecasting warm weather conditions this Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach around 15c across the South East.

Southend Council is urging visitors to stay away from the area, as well as reminding residents to follow the lockdown rules.

Health and adult social care boss Trevor Harp said: “We all welcome the forecast of bright and sunny weather conditions this weekend and this will see many more people wanting to get out, whether it’s for walks along the seafront, or visiting their local park or open space for exercise.

“However, it is important to remember that we are still fighting this virus and that we continue to follow the national guidance that is currently in place and remain safe.

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“This means when outdoors, you must keep at least two metres apart from anyone you don’t live with or who isn’t in your support bubble, and not mixing with other households indoors. Please also stay local. We all need to do our bit to stop the spread and control coronavirus and save lives.

“Although positive case rates continue to fall locally, and the vaccine roll-out is going well nationally and locally, we must not drop our guard. So please stay safe, stay apart and stay local.”

All seafront car parks remain closed in Southend due to the ongoing lockdown in an effort to deter visitors from outside the area.

The lockdown rules mean people are encouraged to stay at home accept for essential reasons and exercise.

The council’s community safety boss Martin Terry added: “Whilst we await national announcements next week, my message to anyone considering visiting the borough this weekend to enjoy the improved weather conditions is still please don’t visit Southend just yet.

“Please leave it for our locals just a little longer.

“An influx of visitors this weekend will make social distancing that much more difficult.

“The lower we can keep positive rates, the safer we can keep our community and the quicker we will be able to react to any national announcements, get back to doing more of the things we most enjoy and welcome visitors back to Southend safely.

“Please also remember that the police can take action against you if you flout the rules and meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices) of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.”