Shocking scenes of hundreds of people strewn tightly along a pier in Warrenpoint has prompted Newry, Mourne and Down Council to act.
Scenes similar to Warrenpoint were also witnessed in the seaside town of Newcastle, also in the borough, on Thursday as temperatures soared.
And with mercury levels to remain in the mid 20s all weekend, senior management have moved to send Environmental Health Officers to all takeaway food premises in our seaside resorts to assess and give guidance relating to social distancing.
PCSP Community Safety Wardens will have an increased presence across the district from this weekend and additional daytime patrols have been organised for Newcastle and Warrenpoint from today (Saturday).
Alliance councillor Patrick Brown confirmed all caravan sites will be visited, beginning on Monday.
When easing of restrictions comes into place from June 8 officers will proactively carry out visits across the district to ensure adherence to regulations and social distancing guidance.
Information has also been prepared for businesses reopening in relation to both Food Safety and Health and Safety at work.
This will be kept under constant review and further patrols deployed based on local need.
Speaking on Thursday’s scenes in Warrenpoint, Independent councillor Mark Gibbons said the situation at was “nothing short of disgraceful”.
“There is only so much PSNI, council and other agencies can do,” he said.
“This is out of control and a complete disregard for lives that have been lost, our NHS staff and key workers and for all the good people who have isolated and sacrificed so much.
“Please contact PSNI 101 to report anything you see similar.”
