There is currently no plan to reopen the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare as visitors continue to flock to the seaside town.

The relaxation of coronavirus lockdown measures has allowed people in England to sit in parks, sunbathe on beaches and exercise outside as much as they want - as long as they adhere to social distancing measures.

People are also allowed to travel without restriction in England to visit beauty spots and beaches as long as they return to their main residence at night.

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The Grand Pier has been closed to the public since late March after the Government introduced lockdown measures to close non-essential businesses and attractions.

The huge pier has turned blue every evening to show its support of the NHS and key workers during lockdown.

A flurry of tourists to the seaside town has caused some to think the Grand Pier could reopen to the public.

Michelle Michael, director of AGMHoldings PLC who own the Grand Pier, has however told Somerset Live that there are no plans to open the huge attraction anytime soon.

She said: "Our plans have not been set, they are still evolving as new guidance emerges from the Government and the local authority.

"As soon as we have any further information we will announce it."

Sunbathers enjoy the hot weather at Weston-super-Mare, as people flock to parks and beaches with lockdown measures eased
Sunbathers enjoy the hot weather at Weston-super-Mare, as people flock to parks and beaches with lockdown measures eased

A majority of businesses remain closed but a small number have reopened offering delivery and takeaway for residents.

Despite the growing numbers of tourists to Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset Council, the tourism board and councillors have reiterated their plea for people to stay away from the popular seaside town.

They all fear that residents could be at risk of catching coronavirus and asked visitors to be "considerate and postpone their trip until we're ready for them".

A spokeswoman for Don't Visit Weston, the town's temporarily renamed tourism board, hoped that despite the new lockdown rules and warm weather, tourists should stay away from Weston-super-Mare to protect its residents.

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She said: "We understand it's a difficult set of circumstances for potential visitors to navigate, and with the weather being as glorious as it is, it's very tempting to want to come and enjoy our fresh air and escape from home.

"However, the feeling from us, as residents, and the message from North Somerset Council is still very much, don't visit Weston - at least not yet.

"The few facilities that have been reopened were for the benefit of Weston residents living inland, that prior to the lessening of restrictions wouldn't have had the opportunity to visit our beaches.

"They have not been reopened as a way to encourage visitors from outside of the area."