A CONSERVATIVE councillor has said “common sense will prevail” amid safety fears.

Brighton and Hove city leaders have voiced concerns that thousands of day-trippers could descend on beaches following the easing of lockdown rules.

Hove Labour MP Peter Kyle said residents needed to “pray for bad weather” .

And Nancy Platts, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said the new lockdown rules were “high risk”.

However, Conservative councillor for Wish Ward Robert Nemeth has defended the relaxing of lockdown rules measures and believes you “have to have faith in people”.

He said: “It simply isn’t possible to keep people in their homes indefinitely, nor is it desirable given that the curve has now been flattened as was the aim from the outset.

“The advice is that a gradual lifting of restrictions should now take place, which does give many struggling local tourism businesses the opportunity to begin rebuilding.

“Those that I have spoken with are sensibly looking into what safe operating procedures are appropriate from the outset.

“Some will make mistakes but, ultimately, common sense will prevail. You have to have faith in people.”

People are now free to enjoy the sunshine in parks and on beaches across England, but not Wales and Scotland, providing they can maintain a safe distance.

Previously, Sussex Police had been moving people on from the beach and turning away cars entering the city.

The council said it will be watching local case numbers “like a hawk”, with its primary concern being safety of residents.

Hospitality and leisure businesses are not likely to open before July.

However, some seaside takeaway places are already open, including ice cream shops.

With more good weather predicted, Councillor Platts said on Monday: “We will be talking to the council leaders, the police, the local NHS, trade unions, business community and local people to develop our own local plan ahead of next weekend so we are clear about how we will manage the city to keep people safe.”

Fears that the Government’s new lockdown easing rules would mean an influx of visitors to coastal beauty spots were described as “understandable” by Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chief’s Council.