Concern as tourists flock to Newcastle

Concern as tourists flock to Newcastle

27 May 2020

NEWCASTLE residents fear that allowing huge numbers of visitors into the town could help the deadly coronavirus spread.

The resort was besieged by people last Sunday and while the situation was not as bad during Monday’s bank holiday, residents remain concerned about the potential impact of high numbers of visitors during the continuing lockdown.

While people are allowed to travel for exercise, there is concern that many are heading to Newcastle from outside the district.

Main Street was packed with cars last Sunday and while Newry, Mourne and Down Council had closed car parks, vehicles were able to park in Donard Park after a barrier blocking one of the two main entrances was moved.

Concerned residents took to social media to vent their frustration at the large number of visitors who arrived a matter of hours after the First and Deputy First ministers had thanked the public for the personal sacrifices they have made for the good of others during the Covid-19 crisis.

Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill said that because of the public’s actions, the infection rate has reduced and lives have been saved. But they appealed to people to keep following the rules and advice that are in place.

Mrs Foster said it was important to remind people “that we are not out of the woods yet” and that a number of restrictions remain in place which are crucial in the efforts to continuing saving lives.

Ms O’Neill said the role of everyone is still “crucial on the journey towards recovery” and highlighted the importance of following the advice and regulations that are in place.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd also appealed to the public to continue playing their part to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and stay at home, confirming that the organisation had received reports of people visiting a number of locations across Northern Ireland last weekend, including Newcastle.

He said while people may be tempted to drive to beauty spots and make the most of the good weather, he would encourage them not to as social distancing may not be achievable where large crowds are gathered.

“I would urge the public to help us by staying at home as much as possible so that we can be sure our roads, streets, villages, towns and cities are safe for everyone and so that we can all maintain a safe social distance,” said Mr Todd.

“Each of us can play our part to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, protect the NHS and save lives and it is important we continue to adhere to Northern Ireland Executive regulations.”

Local politicians including South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Mournes councillors Willie Clarke and Laura Devlin have voiced concern about the huge number of visitors in Newcastle last weekend, appealing to people to be cautious and think of others.

The politicians have also contacted local council chief executive Marie Ward, asking what measures can be taken to address the issue, with suggestions including signs to keep walkers apart along the promenade and the use of a social media campaign reminding people how serious the coronavirus situation remains.

Mr McGrath said local people were understandably unhappy with the volume of visitors.

“The current rules permit people to visit the towns and for some businesses to provide a takeaway service. However, it is critical that people adhere to the social distancing rules to stop the spread of the virus,” he added.

Cllr Clarke said the resort was extremely busy on Sunday.

“Local people feel they have done their bit over the past number of weeks by obeying all the public health advice and are rightly concerned that the influx of so many visitors could potentially help the virus to spread,” he said.

Cllr Clarke said he was made aware of a barrier being moved at the entrance to Donard Park, which resulted in what he described as a “free for all”.

He also suggested that Newry, Mourne and Down Council should look at deploying additional enforcement officers in the resort at weekends.

Cllr Devlin confirmed that she was “inundated with complaints” and issued a reminder that while the current rules permit being out and about, people must adhere to social distancing.

“From some of the images I saw many people were not doing this,” she declared. “We all need to be sensible as this virus is still very real and very much among us. I appreciate people are frustrated being at home but we all collectively must do our bit. If we do, we will come out of this situation quicker.”

Cllr Devlin said there was a genuine fear among the community that the Mournes will attract people from other areas and increase the risk of the virus spreading.

She added: “I am appealing to people to be sensible and show respect to their neighbour and to the Newcastle community.”