Leeds family drive 80 miles to Yorkshire seaside town for 'a swim and some ice cream'

A family of five drove to a Yorkshire seaside town for a swim and ice cream during lockdown, a local councillor said.
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East Riding of Yorkshire councillor Paul Whitehead filmed a video update from his car after travelling around Withernsea to check on the elderly and observe whether people were sticking to the government's lockdown instructions.

Coun Whitehead, a councillor for South East Holderness, which covers Withernsea and the coastline, said it had been "quiet" on the whole on Sunday.

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He added: "People have respected the 'stay at home' message.

The beach at Withernsea (photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)The beach at Withernsea (photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
The beach at Withernsea (photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

"Plenty of people exercising their right to exercise - and why not - beautiful, fresh air on the promenade here and that's fine,

"But let's think about this - what word can I use - disappointed.

"Extremely disappointed at half past three to encounter by the pier towers, a family - husband, wife, three kids, soaking wet.

"They've driven from Leeds to have a swim in the sea.

"And then they go to Tesco for an ice cream.

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"I can only say so much to these people, but I did question, I said 'come on mate, you really think this is right?'

"It's exasperating, disappointing, but what can you do?"

Later in the video he called for road blocks to stop people who may try to enter the town over the Easter weekend.

"We do not want this town overwhelmed with people coming from all over the place," he added.

"And I'm really careful when I talk to these people because they are tourists and we want them back."

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