VISITORS are again being urged to stay away from the seaside as Sussex faces its first weekend of relaxed coronavirus restrictions.

New rules came into force on Wednesday allowing people to sunbathe and exercise for as long as they want.

But Brighton’s MPs are pleading for daytrippers to stay away from the city with the Met Office forecasting sunny weather for Sunday.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said the city “cannot cope” with visitors.

“Right now it’s not a good idea to come to Brighton,” the Green MP said.

“At the moment shops are closed and we cannot cope with loads of people coming to visit the city.

“Businesses aren’t ready and they’re not allowed to be ready. Bars and restaurants are closed so people will congregate on the beach.”

The Argus: Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said the Government has put pressure on the police with its 'muddled' messagingBrighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said the Government has put pressure on the police with its 'muddled' messaging

Ms Lucas said the Government had created problems for police and city services by giving out “muddled” messages.

“Not only has the Government downgraded ‘stay at home’ to ‘stay alert’ but it’s also saying people should stay two metres apart ‘where possible’,” Ms Lucas said.

“It might not be possible on the beach. This is an extra piece of work for the police to do but it’s the Government which has created the problem.”

Hove MP Peter Kyle also urged daytrippers to avoid the city and stay local.

“I understand the temptation to come here on a sunny weekend,” he said. “But if you love Brighton please give us the space we need to care for ourselves in this difficult time. Stay local, enjoy your parks and outdoor spaces.

“Please give Brighton the chance to get through this without the anxiety that hordes of visitors would create for us.

“If we’re all considerate of each other and act responsibly then soon we’ll be able to welcome you back.”

The Argus: Hove MP Peter Kyle urged daytrippers to stay away from the city this weekendHove MP Peter Kyle urged daytrippers to stay away from the city this weekend

Meanwhile Sussex Police Chief Constable Giles York urged residents to think carefully about why they are outdoors.

“As more people spend time outdoors, public safety can best be achieved if everyone takes personal responsibility for doing that within the guidance set out by the Government,” he said.

“Please continue to think carefully about why you are out.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set u p 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