THE number of people ignoring social distancing guidelines has “crept back up” after a weekend warning saw the seafront empty overnight.

While the majority of people in Brighton and Hove residents are adhering to the Government’s “stay home, save lives” mantra, some exceptions have been seen across the city.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Nancy Platts issued a warning to overly-enthusiastic beach-goers on Saturday as the excessive number of people descending on the city’s seafront “made social distancing impossible”.

The firmly-worded warning, shared by councillors in wards across the city, had an immediate impact with drone pictures showing an almost barren beachfront in Hove by Sunday.

But groups have since been seen having picnics and playing football on Hove Lawns, while others have been spotted sunbathing near Seven Dials- in contravention of new social distancing rules - and there are concerns that this behaviour will increase as a warm bank holiday weekend approaches.

Cllr Platts said: “Numbers have crept up a little - we need people to remain disciplined.

“They can only go out for one form of exercise each day, but need to keep moving.

“That means no sitting down, reading books or sunbathing, and staying two metres apart (from people not in their household) when outside.

“We have not yet stopped the spread in Brighton and Hove, it’s essential to protect one another and the NHS, and people can do this by staying at home.

“Thank you to everybody that is following the advice, your actions will save lives.”

Sussex Police continue to patrol along Brighton and Hove promenade, moving along people who are not following social distancing guidelines.

Further officers are set to hit the seafront tonight, with Sussex Police saying there will be more visible patrols across the bank holiday weekend.

While most have been willing to listen to officers, some have taken exception to the force’s requests.

Stationary beach-goers have been snapped protesting to police in Brighton and Hastingsas they are asked to move along, while a pair in Hove were charged after allegedly abusing officers who told them to extinguish their barbecue.

This behaviour has led to dispersal orders being issued in Eastbourne, Hastings, Seaford and Crawley.

Sussex Police deputy chief constable Jo Shiner said: “As ever, our plea is for everyone to do the right thing this weekend, stay home, save lives and protect the NHS.

“Our officers and PCSOs will continue to engage with people and explain what the government guidance is and why it has been put in place. We want to encourage people to do the right thing in following that guidance and only where absolutely necessary will our officers take enforcement action.

“Our officers are working in a more visible and agile way, patrolling our communities as they would usually do but also being responsive to reports we receive from the public regarding any areas where people may be gathering against the current guidelines.

“Above all, it is for people to make the right choices to help save lives and slow down the spread of the virus.”