MORE police patrols are needed to stop people flouting the lockdown rules, Argus readers say.

Concerns over picnics, sunbathing and barbecues have increased as a “holiday feeling” has set in amid balmy sunshine at the beaches of Brighton and Hove.

Many say that popular spots are getting busier and busier, despite pleas from council bosses and police chiefs for people to stay home.

The lockdown rules allow for people to go for exercise once a day, but do not permit gatherings, picnics and sunbathing.

Many fear the police have been overwhelmed with the large numbers, while others say they have not seen any police presence.

On Twitter one Argus reader said: “The streets are busy from Shoreham to Rottingdean, the police have definitely given up, they are just sitting in their vehicles.”

The Argus:

Another said: “Dozens were sunbathing between the pier and Black Rock in the afternoon. I think the police have given up.”

Previously The Argus reported how one couple were given retrospective fines for having a barbecue and allegedly refusing to leave a beach in Hove.

Meanwhile people using Hove Promenade reported seeing bins overflowing with pizza boxes and food waste.

Julia Patricia said: “At Brighton beach yesterday afternoon had groups picnicking lots of them and no police.”

Andrea Frances called for stricter fines and wrote: “Never mind about the nice weather, we have to think about keeping safe. It’s ridiculous going out and sitting on the beach.”

April Tucknott  said: “I went for a walk along the undercliff today, [and saw] people having a swim, sunbathers, picnics, even a couple having lunch under a huge parasol. 

“They need to put barriers across the entrance to the beach.”

Meanwhile Mandy Cagney said: “There’s no police out policing. So of course selfish people are going to take advantage.”

But other Argus readers have seen some police on patrol. 

Paul Buddery said: “The police and seafront officers were moving people all afternoon from the beach between the piers. [There were] loads [of people] there sunbathing.”

Meanwhile The Argus crime reporter saw police on patrol to applaud the NHS at Hove Promenade at sunset on Thursday.

The police said: "The government guidance is the same now as it was when lockdown started - stay home where possible and only leave your house for an essential purpose.

"While exercise is permitted, we still encourage people to do this near to their homes and to avoid areas that are likely to become more populated, such as seafronts and parks. When outdoors, we urge people to continue abiding by the social distancing rules.

"We are continuing to patrol our rural and urban communities, and we are being responsive to reports from the public about where gatherings may be taking place. Every report we receive is assessed and prioritised to determine where we are needed the most.

"We are very grateful to the vast majority of people who continue to follow the government guidelines and stay home in an effort to save lives and protect the NHS."

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund