Tourism bosses in Weston-super-Mare have launched a new campaign – asking people NOT to visit the seaside resort.

Visit Weston has made amendments to its logo, adding a cross, making it clear that people should stay away during the coronavirus outbreak.

The move comes as the country is in lockdown due to the virus and increasing numbers of people becoming infected.

There was also anger earlier this month when people were crammed onto the seafront, despite being asked to main social distancing guidelines, to queue for ice creams and chips.

A spokesman for Visit Weston said: “We have a new temporary logo for Visit Weston – or as we maybe should call ourselves: DON’T Visit Weston.

“We understand that it’s important for us to get out of our homes occasionally and get some fresh air, but always whilst following the guidelines on social distancing by staying two metres apart from other people.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 11: The sun sets over the Severn Estuary at Brean on February 11 2008 near Weston-Super-Mare, United Kingdom. The beach and nearby headland has been earmarked to be the site for the English side of the proposed Severn Barrage. The UK government has announced a two-year feasibility study into the Severn Barrage, a tidal power plan which could provide about 5% of UK electricity and has said the scale of the project and the impact it could have on securing energy supplies and tackling climate change was "breathtaking". However some environmental groups are bitterly opposed to the 10mile barrage and say its construction would emit millions of tonnes of carbon and would have a devastating effect on the scenery and on the huge variety of wildlife which depends on the Severn wetlands. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

“So whilst our beautiful beaches and seafront might ordinarily have been the perfect location for stretching our legs and feeling some sun on our faces, given that far too many people are choosing to not follow advice on keeping safe distances and not congregating in large groups as we’ve seen in Weston lately, we must now please ask you to STOP.”

Most of the town’s attractions and businesses in the town are now closed due to the lockdown.

The spokesman added: “Most of our visitor attractions are now closed following the guidelines issued by the Government, with many more businesses – including accommodation providers, also following suit.

"This means that for the time being there will be no donkeys, no ice cream, no buckets and spades, no Grand Pier or any of the usual seaside fun we all associate with Weston-super-Mare. Our Visitor Information Centre, our Museum, our theatres, cinemas, restaurants, coffee shops and pubs are all also closed for the foreseeable future.

The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare

“We understand that this is frustrating for visitors, but it is equally disappointing for our many residents who now have limited options for leaving their homes, especially when the seafront and town centre are busier than usual with people choosing to travel to Weston.

“As a tourism service, we appreciate that asking people to stay away is the very opposite of our usual aims and objectives, but for the safety of visitors and residents, we have no option.

“Weston-super-Mare will be ready and waiting for you all when the Government announces that our lives can begin returning to normal, whenever that might be.”

The group is now sharing online content with those longing to be beside the seaside in the form of pictures, blogs, videos, stories and information.

“ In the meantime we will do our best to deliver Weston to you instead and try to evoke a sense of the seaside in your homes through our website and our social media pages.

“Please stay home, stay safe, and let’s look after the vulnerable members of our communities in Weston and wherever you are.”