Don’t throw it all away!

Britain’s beaches could be closed to prevent the resurgence of coronavirus, the Health Secretary warned last night.

It came after the heatwave triggered a frenzied rush to the seaside which led to ‘irresponsible and selfish’ scenes and a major incident being declared on the South Coast.

An army of 500,000 visitors overwhelmed Dorset and forced the authorities in Bournemouth into an ’emergency response’ after they clogged up roads and dumped tons of litter on beaches. Coastal beauty spots around the country saw drunken fights amid blatant flouting of social distancing rules by crowds of young revellers.

There were also scenes of shocking violence against officers trying to end a street party in Brixton, south London, on Wednesday night. Police fear there could be widespread drunken disorder on July 4 – dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ – when pubs and restaurants can reopen.

It prompted Matt Hancock and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty to warn the public not to undo their success in tackling the pandemic. Mr Hancock said he was ready to order the closure of beaches if there are repeats of yesterday’s packed scenes at Bournemouth and other hotspots. 

‘We do have that power. I am reluctant to use it because people have had a pretty  tough lockdown and I want everybody to be able to enjoy the sunshine,’ he told Talk Radio.

Police break up a fight in Brighton as hundreds flock to the beach today amid soaring temperatures of 92F (33.3C)

Police officers on Bournemouth beach this afternoon as major incident was declared on the Dorset coast

Police officers on Bournemouth beach this afternoon as major incident was declared on the Dorset coast

Police arrested a man in Brighton today as hundreds of sun seekers flocked to the popular beauty spot to enjoy the weather

Police arrested a man in Brighton today as hundreds of sun seekers flocked to the popular beauty spot to enjoy the weather

Coastal beauty spots around the country saw drunken fights amid blatant flouting of social distancing rules by crowds of young revellers

Coastal beauty spots around the country saw drunken fights amid blatant flouting of social distancing rules by crowds of young revellers

Police confiscated beer and disposable barbecues from beachgoers at Formby Beach near Liverpool as temperatures spiked today

Police confiscated beer and disposable barbecues from beachgoers at Formby Beach near Liverpool as temperatures spiked today

‘But the key is to do it with respect for the rules – stay with your household, stay a good distance from other households.

‘But we do have those powers and if we see a spike in the number of cases then we will take action.’

The Health Secretary added: ‘The number of cases is right down, but we must all stay alert. The sun is shining and of course everyone wants to enjoy the glorious weather, but the Daily Mail is right that we mustn’t throw it all away. Keep to the rules or we risk going backwards.’

Official figures released yesterday suggested that the retreat of the coronavirus pandemic has stalled and the number of people infected in the UK may even have risen.

Professor Whitty stressed: ‘If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all.’

It came ahead of a crucial week for the Government, which has announced lockdown measures will be eased significantly on July 4 to boost the struggling economy. Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that ministers would ‘trust in the common sense ‘ of the British public when rules are eased.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far with a temperature of 33.3C (92F) recorded at Heathrow. Families visiting some beaches did attempt to follow social distancing rules – but that proved impossible in Bournemouth, where the area was overrun for the second day running.

Car parks were full by 9am and hundreds parked illegally on pavements and double yellow lines. Traffic wardens issued a record 558 parking fines. An astonishing 33 tons of litter, including human waste, was removed from the stretch of Dorset coast yesterday. Some illegally camped on the beach, including at upmarket Sandbanks, and used it as a toilet.

Detectives revealed the chaos caused by a ‘significant volume of people heading to one area’, where some people were so eager to get a good spot that they camped overnight on the beach. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said services were ‘completely overstretched’ as huge crowds of visitors defied advice to stay away. 

Incidents of anti-social behaviour included drunken fights and staff manning road barriers to turn motorists away from full car parks further along the coast at Lulworth Cove were sworn and spat at.

By Thursday afternoon the situation was so serious that council leader Vikki Slade declared a ‘major incident’.

A major incident was today declared after police and the local council in Bournemouth became overrun by hundreds of thousands of visitors

A major incident was today declared after police and the local council in Bournemouth became overrun by hundreds of thousands of visitors

The roads were deadlocked around Bournemouth as thousands of visitors rushed to the beach amid soaring temperatures

The roads were deadlocked around Bournemouth as thousands of visitors rushed to the beach amid soaring temperatures

Police clash with crowds gathered at Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow today as a heatwave hits Scotland during the pandemic

Police clash with crowds gathered at Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow today as a heatwave hits Scotland during the pandemic

Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset today on another scorching day for much of Britain

Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset today on another scorching day for much of Britain

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as temperatures soar across the country again

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as temperatures soar across the country again

Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth this afternoon as people make the most of the very hot weather again

Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth this afternoon as people make the most of the very hot weather again

She said she was ‘absolutely appalled’ at the beach scenes, adding: ‘The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe.’

Tobias Ellwood, the Tory MP for Bournemouth East, was told by police there were 500,000 visitors in Dorset on Thursday. He said: ‘These are selfish people who are threatening to prolong the pandemic and also litter our beautiful beaches.’

The beach was also busy along the coast at Brighton, where hundreds of youths gathered on an area of green on Wednesday evening, chanting at police attempting to move them on. Other seaside flashpoints included police being called to a ‘large group of people fighting’ at the beach in Exmouth, Devon, the same evening. 

In Plymouth, police were out in force around the waterfront after heatwave-related ‘unacceptable behaviour’ by large groups of people.

And in Southend-on-Sea in Essex a seafront brawl and other incidents of violence prompted deputy council leader Ron Woodley to call for the Army to reinforce police to regain control of the streets.

The hottest temperatures so far this year have prompted a warning from United Utilities to households to cut water usage or face a hosepipe ban. With children cooling down in paddling pools and parched flower beds needing watering, levels are receding at reservoirs in parts of the country. 

Meanwhile, working Britons took to social media to claim the furlough scheme – where the Government agrees to pay 80 per cent of an employee’s salary during the Covid-19 crisis – should be scrapped because too many staff off work are heading to the coast.

At the start of the crisis, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed the furlough scheme to protect jobs, and the Treasury is now paying 7.5million workers to stay at home which the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates will cost £100billion.  

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as families flock into the water

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as families flock into the water

Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon

Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth this afternoon as temperatures continue to rise in Britain

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth this afternoon as temperatures continue to rise in Britain

Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon

Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon

Visitors crowd together as they enjoy the hot weather on the beach at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon

Visitors crowd together as they enjoy the hot weather on the beach at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon

Police patrol near to the beach in Bournemouth as hundreds of people flocked to the seaside this afternoon

Police patrol near to the beach in Bournemouth as hundreds of people flocked to the seaside this afternoon

People make their way along the footpath leading to the packed beach at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon

People make their way along the footpath leading to the packed beach at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon

A member of the ambulance service looks out from Bournemouth Pier in Dorset today as crowds gather on the beach

A member of the ambulance service looks out from Bournemouth Pier in Dorset today as crowds gather on the beach

There was a major alert for a high risk of sunburn in the South West today with the absence of aircraft in the skies set to give the UK its highest levels of ultraviolet radiation because of a reduction in plane contrails. 

The Met Office said UV rays, which can increase the risk of skin cancer, could reach nine in Devon and Cornwall today, which is ‘about as high as it gets really in the UK’ and are more commonly seen in the Mediterranean.

Temperatures hit 91.9F (33.3C) at London Heathrow Airport at about 3pm, making it the hottest day of 2020 for the second consecutive day after the mercury got to 90.7F (32.6C) in the same spot yesterday. 

No foreign holidays and sunshine provide hope for seaside businesses

This week’s combination of sunshine, no foreign holidays and school closures has brought record takings to some seaside businesses who are hoping the second half of the season could be a bumper time.

Reece Holland, chairman of the Bridlington Leisure Association, said some of the businesses which are allowed to open in the East Yorkshire resort saw big takings yesterday as visitors flocked to the seaside.

But Mr Holland said the a number of businesses in Bridlington, including two bars, have not survived the lockdown, and he still does not know whether the July 4 reopening of his family’s amusement arcade, pub and ice cream parlour will see them break even.

People enjoy the heat today in Bridlington, East Yorkshire

People enjoy the heat today in Bridlington, East Yorkshire

He said: ‘I’ve spoken to a few different people on the harbour who’ve got different businesses and yesterday was one of their busiest ever days. It’s due to the fact that people have been cooped in.

‘They’ve got money in their pockets and the weather’s fantastic, there’s nowhere else to go, there’s no holidays. If 10,000 leave the UK every day to go on holiday, they’re not now. And where are they going to go? They’re going to come to the coast, aren’t they? And rightly so.’

Mr Holland said he is preparing to fully open his businesses on July 4 with a range of special measures in place. These include one-way systems in the amusement arcade with hand sanitisers by the machines and extra staff to continually clean. 

But he said he is still poring over the 40-page Government guidelines and cannot be confident he will make any money.

Mr Holland said: ‘Everyone thinks as soon as you get the green light it’s fantastic and money will be coming back in. But I’m actually concerned now that, as soon as we open, there’s going to be that many procedures we have to put in place that I might actually lose money.

People queue outside a fish and chip shop in Bridlington today

People queue outside a fish and chip shop in Bridlington today

‘At the moment, although I’m not earning any money, I’m not losing money.

‘The day those doors open, I could potentially lose money because I need to take my staff off furlough and all the bills start up again.’

But he said there is potential for the second half of the summer season to be good for seaside towns.

Mr Holland said: ‘I think we’re going to have a good back-end.

‘September, October is going to be better than normal. I do believe that a lot of English and British people who normally go to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Spain, they’re going see what Bridlington and what the Great British seaside can offer.

‘I think they’ll be coming back again as long as we’ve got some good weather. We’ve got some of the best beaches here and don’t want for anything else.’ 

Both Wales and Scotland also recorded their hottest days of the year so far. In Wales, the mercury soared to 87F (30.7C) at Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth – eclipsing a previous high of 86F (30C) from Wednesday. 

In Northern Ireland, highs of 78F (25.5C) were recorded in Aldegrove.   

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya said on Thursday: ‘These are unprecedented times and we are urging people to stay away from the area of Bournemouth beach and other Dorset beaches.

‘We continue to work very closely with BCP council and other partners to ensure the safety of the public. We are also deploying additional resources to provide increased patrols in the vicinity to help tackle any issues of anti-social behaviour and other offences being committed.’The declaration of a major incident allows us to bring agencies together so we can take actions available to us to safeguard the public as much as possible.

‘We are also reliant on people taking personal responsibility and strongly advise members of the public to think twice before heading to the area. Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources. 

‘This influx of visitors to our area places a significant increase in demand on our service and we would ask people to please bear with us. We would therefore stress again that we are asking people to please stay away from the area.’ 

Mr Ellwood said Dorset Police and the local council were today unable to cope amid reports of 500,000 visitors and two-hour traffic jams, with cars queuing back for 15 miles along the A338 and A31.

Many motorists have been parking illegally on double yellow lines, over cycle lanes and on pavements, seemingly happy to take a £35 parking ticket rather than queue and wait for a space. 

Speaking amid the chaos, the MP said: ‘Bournemouth is deluged with visitors and the local authority cannot cope.

‘We have the perfect storm of incredible weather and a liberation of some Covid-19 guidelines and given the wider consequences of a second spike, the government needs to offer assistance and respond to this dangerous event that is happening within a national health emergency.

‘It is beyond the local capabilities to be able to control the roads and manage the situation. Volunteers and traffic marshalls can only do so much to get people to cooperate and move along.

‘It is important that Westminster sees what is happening on the frontline and responds with assets to provide support.

‘When you have mass demonstrations in London the Metropolitan Police can call on other forces to help and I think this is what needs to happen here. The police locally are overwhelmed, they cannot be everywhere. The number of police officers is based on the number of residents in the county, not visitors.’ 

Stephen Allen, a resident of Sandbanks, said: ‘It is the illegal camping that gets us. You see people coming out of their tents in their pyjamas and head off into the sand tunes with toilet roll. It is very unpleasant.

‘There has been illegal parking happening all over the place. Cars have parked on cycle lanes, double yellow lines and on the pavements.

‘They would happily take a £35 parking fine rather than queue for hours on end for a car park space which will probably cost them the best part of £10.’

Further along the Dorset coast at Lulworth, a local councillor told of the abuse she received when she tried to turn people away because the area was full.

The local authority agreed to set up road barriers when the main car parks at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door become full.

Laura Miller has been manning one of the barriers. She said: ‘I have been shouted and sworn at and one guy spat at me. These are people who have travelled three or four hours in their car, they are hot and grumpy and then they are turned away.

‘Some drivers have ignored our barriers and just knocked them over and driven through.’

She said that the beach at Durdle Door resembled the aftermath of a music festival last night. She said: ‘The behaviour of some visitors has been foul. There are large groups of people who are totally ignoring social distancing rules.

‘We filled up 30 bin bags of rubbish and the beach stinks of weed. It was like the aftermath of a festival. Most of the visitors have come from London but others have travelled from Birmingham, Bristol and Peterborough.’

Some working Britons claimed the furlough scheme – where the Government agrees to pay 80 per cent of an employee’s salary during the Covid-19 crisis – should be scrapped because too many staff off work are heading to the coast and making social distancing impossible, raising the chilling prospect of a second wave of the virus.

A nurse told MailOnline: ‘This is ridiculous, the furlough holiday should end. It is so unfair to many nurses working on the front line self employed.

‘Not only am I putting myself and husband at risk and unable to see my children and grandchildren, but feel it is so unfair that we are hit with tax bills despite all these individuals enjoying the sunshine and being paid [while] I swelter at work in full PPE to maintain services in urgent care.’

Paul Dulson, from Bournemouth, Dorset, tweeted: ‘I live a few miles from Bournemouth beach and do not visit because of this madness. A great case for ending the ridiculous furlough and getting kids back to school.’

Another added: ‘Why are the people not at work? Oh, that’s right, they all on furlough receiving 80 per cent of their salary paid for by me, to go to the f***ing beach. Meanwhile the likes of me is working my a*** off in this heat.’

And a third said: ‘Just end the furlough scheme now. It’s there to protect jobs whilst we protect ourselves. We’re obviously not wanting to protect ourselves anymore, so let’s just stop paying people to sit on the b****y beach.’

A group of women play cards on the grass in St James Park, London after sunbathing amid the soaring temperatures today

A group of women play cards on the grass in St James Park, London after sunbathing amid the soaring temperatures today

Dozens of Britons had flocked to the busy park to enjoy the sunshine on the sweltering day amid the coronavirus crisis

Dozens of Britons had flocked to the busy park to enjoy the sunshine on the sweltering day amid the coronavirus crisis

Others sought shade under trees as the UK experienced sweltering temperatures across the board this afternoon

Others sought shade under trees as the UK experienced sweltering temperatures across the board this afternoon

Britons relax in deckchairs in St James Park, London on what could be the hottest day of the year as temperatures soared

Britons relax in deckchairs in St James Park, London on what could be the hottest day of the year as temperatures soared

Britons queue for drinks outside the Globe pub in Borough Market, London as temperatures soared this afternoon

Britons queue for drinks outside the Globe pub in Borough Market, London as temperatures soared this afternoon

Queues stretched along the length of the pub as Londoners waited for their turn to order drinks at the busy establishment

Queues stretched along the length of the pub as Londoners waited for their turn to order drinks at the busy establishment

Britons swim in the canal at Hackney Wick, east London as social distancing becomes difficult in packed locations

Britons swim in the canal at Hackney Wick, east London as social distancing becomes difficult in packed locations

In Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Britons relaxed on the banks of the River Thames as a few sunseekers took to the water

In Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Britons relaxed on the banks of the River Thames as a few sunseekers took to the water

People play in the River Cam in Grantchester near Cambridge on what could be the UK's hottest day of the year with scorching temperatures forecast to rise even further

People play in the River Cam in Grantchester near Cambridge on what could be the UK’s hottest day of the year with scorching temperatures forecast to rise even further

A group of sunseekers enjoy the cool water in the River Cam, Grantchester amid the sweltering heat this afternoon

A group of sunseekers enjoy the cool water in the River Cam, Grantchester amid the sweltering heat this afternoon

People punt in the River Cam in Grantchester near Cambridge as temperatures continue to rise this afternoon

People punt in the River Cam in Grantchester near Cambridge as temperatures continue to rise this afternoon

A couple relax on an inflatable boat in the River Thames as Bourne End, Buckinghamshire amid scorching temperatures

A couple relax on an inflatable boat in the River Thames as Bourne End, Buckinghamshire amid scorching temperatures

People enjoy the sunshine at a park in Manchester city centre this morning as the mini-heatwave continues across Britain

People enjoy the sunshine at a park in Manchester city centre this morning as the mini-heatwave continues across Britain

Passengers walk along the platform after getting off a busy train as people make their way to Brighton beach this afternoon

Passengers walk along the platform after getting off a busy train as people make their way to Brighton beach this afternoon

Girls jump from a jetty into the sea as crowds of people gather on the beach in Southend-on-Sea this afternoon

Girls jump from a jetty into the sea as crowds of people gather on the beach in Southend-on-Sea this afternoon

A view of the beach in Brighton today as people flock to the Sussex coast to make the most of the warm weather

A view of the beach in Brighton today as people flock to the Sussex coast to make the most of the warm weather

Sunseekers on Weymouth beach in Dorset today as temperatures continue to soar across Britain

Sunseekers on Weymouth beach in Dorset today as temperatures continue to soar across Britain

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, this afternoon

Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, this afternoon

Matilda Swian (left), 19, and Millie Skelhorn (right), 19, enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, as the mercury soared

Matilda Swian (left), 19, and Millie Skelhorn (right), 19, enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, as the mercury soared

People sunbathe by the sea in the baking heat in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, with plenty of others doing the same in the glorious weather

People sunbathe by the sea in the baking heat in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, with plenty of others doing the same in the glorious weather

Maia Benstead (left), 19, and Lauren Sharpe (right), 19, enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, as the stride through the sea

Maia Benstead (left), 19, and Lauren Sharpe (right), 19, enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, as the stride through the sea

A sunbather photographs the deer in Richmond Park, west London, as they stroll through a stream to keep cool during the heatwave

A sunbather photographs the deer in Richmond Park, west London, as they stroll through a stream to keep cool during the heatwave

Groups of people enjoy the toasty weather in Potters Fields, next to the iconic Tower Bridge, in central London this afternoon

Groups of people enjoy the toasty weather in Potters Fields, next to the iconic Tower Bridge, in central London this afternoon

People are seen sunbathing at St James's Park in London this afternoon as they make the most of the hot weather

People are seen sunbathing at St James’s Park in London this afternoon as they make the most of the hot weather

A woman dips her toe in the fountains at Trafalgar Square in London this afternoon during the mini-heatwave

A woman dips her toe in the fountains at Trafalgar Square in London this afternoon during the mini-heatwave

A woman sunbathes on a boat on the River Thames in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, as a man slowly steers it through the water

A woman sunbathes on a boat on the River Thames in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, as a man slowly steers it through the water

At the start of the crisis, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed the furlough scheme to protect jobs, and the Treasury is now paying 7.5million workers to stay at home which the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates will cost £100billion.

There was a tragedy in Worthing, West Sussex, as a woman in her 50s died after suffering a ‘medical episode’ on the beach. Tourists were evacuated to make way for the air ambulance but she could not be saved.  

The warm weather took a dramatic turn on Thursday afternoon as thunderstorms broke out across the South West of England at around 4.30pm, when up to 1.6 inches of rain were expected to fall in two hours.

Storms were also forecast to form in the south west and south east of England, Wales, western Scotland and Northern Ireland from 4pm.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for those areas until 9am tomorrow, warning of disruption due to flooding, lightning strikes, hail and wind.

The storms are expected to continue from midday on Friday through to 6am on Saturday, with another yellow warning in place for the whole of the UK.

Areas hit by the storms could experience ‘torrential downpours’ with up to 2in (50mm) of rain falling in an hour.  

There was also a high alert for dangerous UV radiation levels on the hottest day of the year. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: ‘The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we’re so close to the solstice. We’ve got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine – it’s the perfect ingredients for high UV.’ 

People head to the beach at Southend-on-Sea as coronavirus lockdown measures are relaxed and temperatures soar

People head to the beach at Southend-on-Sea as coronavirus lockdown measures are relaxed and temperatures soar

Brighton beach was packed with sun seekers, making social distancing impossible in the beauty spot this afternoon

Brighton beach was packed with sun seekers, making social distancing impossible in the beauty spot this afternoon

There was a tragedy in Worthing, West Sussex, as a woman in her 50s died after suffering a ‘medical episode’ on the beach today, police said. Tourists were evacuated off the sand to make way for the air ambulance but she could not be saved

There was a tragedy in Worthing, West Sussex, as a woman in her 50s died after suffering a ‘medical episode’ on the beach today, police said. Tourists were evacuated off the sand to make way for the air ambulance but she could not be saved

A group of friends enjoy a drink while sitting in deckchairs on the beach at Brighton in East Sussex this afternoon

A group of friends enjoy a drink while sitting in deckchairs on the beach at Brighton in East Sussex this afternoon

Beachgoers enjoy the hot weather on Barry Island today as Wales starts to ease its way out of the Covid-19 lockdown

Beachgoers enjoy the hot weather on Barry Island today as Wales starts to ease its way out of the Covid-19 lockdown

Beach goers enjoy the hot weather on Barry Island in Wales today as much of Britain makes the most of the conditions

Beach goers enjoy the hot weather on Barry Island in Wales today as much of Britain makes the most of the conditions

Thousands of people flock to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing

Thousands of people flock to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing

People walk along the seafront at Bridlington in East Yorkshire today on another very hot day for the country

People walk along the seafront at Bridlington in East Yorkshire today on another very hot day for the country

A boy jumps into the water today  at the Three Shires Head, the point where Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet

A boy jumps into the water today  at the Three Shires Head, the point where Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet

A woman sunbathing on Brighton beach in East Sussex this morning as the hot weather continues for Brighton

A woman sunbathing on Brighton beach in East Sussex this morning as the hot weather continues for Brighton

People walk through Green Park in London today as the capital experiences temperatures above 90F

People walk through Green Park in London today as the capital experiences temperatures above 90F

People enjoy the sunny weather at Windsor in Berkshire today as the mini-heatwave continues

People enjoy the sunny weather at Windsor in Berkshire today as the mini-heatwave continues

Among the main reasons for high UV levels given by experts are a hole in the ozone layer that opened earlier this year, and the time of year so near the solstice combined with limited cloud cover and water vapour.

But Michaela Hegglin, a professor in atmospheric chemistry at the University of Reading, added it was also down to a lack of plane contrails, which normally create clouds reflecting UV rays away from the ground.

The expert told the Telegraph the negative impacts of UV levels were massively outweighed by the positive impacts of lower levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions during the coronavirus crisis.

She said today could see some of the ‘highest UV levels ever recorded’ in Britain, adding: ‘This is because of a combination of factors. We are at the summer solstice, when the sun is almost directly overhead at 1pm.

‘UV levels this high are rare in the UK, so people with light skin should be very careful to avoid getting burnt. While UV is important for getting vitamin D and keeping us healthy, too much of it can cause skin cancer or cataracts.’

Ozone holes are an annual thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, caused by stratospheric chlorine. Every year ozone layers fall drastically during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and the Arctic can be affected too. 

People enjoy the warm weather on Brighton beach this afternoon on what is another very hot day for much of Britain

People enjoy the warm weather on Brighton beach this afternoon on what is another very hot day for much of Britain

A woman enjoys the sunshine as she relaxes at Battersea Park in South West London this morning

A woman enjoys the sunshine as she relaxes at Battersea Park in South West London this morning

People jump into the water during the sunny weather in Windsor in Berkshire today

People jump into the water during the sunny weather in Windsor in Berkshire today

Two women laugh as they are photographed at Clapham Common in South West London this afternoon

Two women laugh as they are photographed at Clapham Common in South West London this afternoon

A view of the beach in Brighton today on another day that has seen temperatures soar above 90F in some areas

A view of the beach in Brighton today on another day that has seen temperatures soar above 90F in some areas

Families enjoy the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, today as the UK makes the most of the heatwave

Families enjoy the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, today as the UK makes the most of the heatwave

Thousands of people soak up the sun on Brighton beach today with temperatures soaring once again in Britain

Thousands of people soak up the sun on Brighton beach today with temperatures soaring once again in Britain

Two women go paddle boarding in the sea at Southsea in Hampshire this morning as temperatures soar across the UK again

Two women go paddle boarding in the sea at Southsea in Hampshire this morning as temperatures soar across the UK again

People soak up the sun on Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon as the hot weather continues

People soak up the sun on Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon as the hot weather continues

People stand on board a packed train as they make their way to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon

People stand on board a packed train as they make their way to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon

Four-year-old boys Sai Robson and Sunny Louden enjoy the water in the hot weather at Edinburgh's Holyrood Park today

Four-year-old boys Sai Robson and Sunny Louden enjoy the water in the hot weather at Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park today

Passengers disembark a packed train as people make their way to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon

Passengers disembark a packed train as people make their way to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon

People relax on the grass on the southern bank of the River Thames in the shadow of Tower Bridge in London today

People relax on the grass on the southern bank of the River Thames in the shadow of Tower Bridge in London today

Cows use the River Thames to cool off in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, today as the hot weather continues

Cows use the River Thames to cool off in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, today as the hot weather continues

Families enjoy the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, today as children play in a lake

Families enjoy the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, today as children play in a lake

A woman holds a book on Clapham Common in South West London today as the hot weather continues

A woman holds a book on Clapham Common in South West London today as the hot weather continues

A woman looks out to sea as she enjoys the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, this afternoon

A woman looks out to sea as she enjoys the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, this afternoon

People soak up the sun on Brighton beach in Dorset today as sunseekers head for the coastal areas of Britain

People soak up the sun on Brighton beach in Dorset today as sunseekers head for the coastal areas of Britain

Zed the black Labrador makes a splash in the pond at Clapham Common in South West London this afternoon

Zed the black Labrador makes a splash in the pond at Clapham Common in South West London this afternoon

Thousands of people flock to Brighton beach in East Sussex today despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing

Thousands of people flock to Brighton beach in East Sussex today despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing

Police break up huge party on Brighton seafront with hundreds of youngsters sent home from the beach after scuffles broke out

Police broke up a huge Brighton seafront party last night and sent hundreds of youngsters home after scuffles broke out. 

Ten police vehicles were called to Hove Lawns, West Sussex at 8.40pm yesterday amid reports of ‘pockets’ of violence in the gathering. 

The youths chanted at the officers, with one eyewitness calling it ‘like a stand-off between hundreds of youths and police’. 

Police break up an impromptu beach party where hundreds of predominantly young adults and teenagers on Hove Lawn this evening on the hottest day of the year so far

Police break up an impromptu beach party where hundreds of predominantly young adults and teenagers on Hove Lawn this evening on the hottest day of the year so far

Locals believe the youngsters ‘would have finished GCSEs and (had) their end-of-year prom’. One resident called the situation ‘pure mayhem’.  Officers issued a dispersal order for the green near Grand Avenue.

Councillor Chris Henry said: ‘Let’s not leave our young people behind in the Covid recovery plans.

Police break up an impromptu beach party where hundreds of predominantly young adults and teenagers on Hove Lawn this evening on the hottest day of the year so far

Police break up an impromptu beach party where hundreds of predominantly young adults and teenagers on Hove Lawn this evening on the hottest day of the year so far

‘It’s understandable that they’re bored and missing their friends, so we need to ensure their safety and develop activities for young adults so that police and the local community can focus on real crime and staying safe from Covid.

‘Hove Lawns tonight shows how badly solutions for young people are needed and how youth services are needed more than ever.’  

Experts think this started happening in the 1970s as a result of the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were popularly found in aerosols. The hole forms in the Antarctic when cold air is trapped by strong circulating winds.

This leads to the formation of ice clouds, which break down chlorine-containing compounds. It makes the area especially susceptible to ozone depletion, but ozone from other areas returns over the affected poles every year.   

The public has been reminded to take care around water throughout the summer, amid concerns people might be tempted to take a dip to cool down.

It comes as Thames Valley Police said on Wednesday evening they had found a body following a search for a missing man at Lulle Brooke in Cookham, Berkshire.

The man, who was in his 30s, was understood to have got into difficulty in the water on Tuesday evening.

A cousin said Syrian refugee Eyad Al Ryabi had gone into the water on Tuesday evening to try to help his friend. The friend survived and was taken to hospital, Thames Valley Police said.

Meanwhile a man in Middlesbrough was taken to hospital after jumping into shallow water at a popular beauty spot.

Volunteers from Cleveland Mountain Rescue team were finishing a ‘litter sweep’ when they came across the incident a Cod Beck reservoir, near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, yesterday.

A 21-year-old man suffered a leg injury after he jumped into the water and was unable to walk.

A spokesman for the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team said ‘the water was a lot shallower than he expected’ and as a result, was in a lot of pain.

The man was being treated by ambulance crews at the scene when rescue team arrived. Volunteers transported the ambulance stretcher to the patient while a doctor helped to treat him.

Once loaded on to the stretcher, the team helped push the injured man to a waiting ambulance. He was then taken to hospital for further treatment. Eight mountain rescuers and two response co-ordinators involved in the incident for around 40 minutes.

Others were on standby from their training locations but were not required. Crews are now warning people of the dangers of jumping into water.

The spokesman added: ‘It is perhaps worth reminding people about some of the risks of jumping into water – it might be shallower than they think and ‘cold water shock’ is a very, real danger. Put simply – it’s very dangerous – don’t do it.’ 

Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth today

Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth today

A view of the beach in Brighton today as temperatures soar above 90F in parts of the country for the second day in a row

A view of the beach in Brighton today as temperatures soar above 90F in parts of the country for the second day in a row

Paddle boarders at Bourne End in Buckinghamshire today as the country enjoys further hot weather

Paddle boarders at Bourne End in Buckinghamshire today as the country enjoys further hot weather

A woman sunbathes at Clapham Common in South West London today as the scorching temperatures continue

A woman sunbathes at Clapham Common in South West London today as the scorching temperatures continue

Sunseekers queue for portable toilets on Brighton seafront today as people flock to the Sussex coast this afternoon

Sunseekers queue for portable toilets on Brighton seafront today as people flock to the Sussex coast this afternoon

One-year-old Ella Jones enjoys sitting among the wild flowers at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh this morning

One-year-old Ella Jones enjoys sitting among the wild flowers at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh this morning

Thousands of people soak up the sun on Brighton beach in East Sussex today as the hot weather continues

Thousands of people soak up the sun on Brighton beach in East Sussex today as the hot weather continues

Denbi. the four-year-old Shepherd Staffie, enjoys the water in the hot weather at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh today

Denbi. the four-year-old Shepherd Staffie, enjoys the water in the hot weather at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh today

Two people go for a walk through Battersea Park in South West London this morning as they enjoy the sunshine

Two people go for a walk through Battersea Park in South West London this morning as they enjoy the sunshine

NW London warned they could run out of water TONIGHT 

Britons in north west London and Middlesex have been warned their water supply could be disrupted this evening as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.

Affinity Water said it experienced much ‘higher demand for water’ today due to the ‘exceptionally hot weather’, which could cause a reduction of water pressure or loss of supply.

Those in Edgware, Greenford, Harrow, Mill Hill, Northolt, Pinner, Ruislip, South Harrow, Wembley and South Ruislip have been told to expect interruption to the supply between 5.30pm and 11pm.

The supplier urged those in the affected areas to keep their water usage to a minimum to reduce demand on the network during these hours.

In a statement, it said: ‘If you are experiencing a reduction of your water pressure or loss of supply, this is due to much higher demand for water at present due to the exceptionally hot weather.

‘We expect your water supply to be restored to normal pressure later this evening.’

Affinity Water has put an additional 108 million litres of water a day into its network of pipes in an attempt to cope with the warmer weather.

Yesterday’s good weather saw people flock to beaches in huge numbers despite social distancing measures remaining in place.

The Met Office raised its heat alert level to three, as health authorities encouraged those most vulnerable – many of whom have been shielding during lockdown – to protect themselves amid the ‘exceptionally hot weather forecast this week’. 

Public Health England (PHE) said older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the higher temperatures.

The amber level three, which remains in place for the West and East Midlands, requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups, according to the Met Office website.

People have been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated where possible. The Met Office said UV levels were expected to remain at eight across many parts of the UK today.

Emer O’Connell, consultant in public health at PHE, said it was important that people kept checking on the vulnerable, as many continued to spend more time at home due to coronavirus.

‘You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone,’ she said. 

Shoppers have also been advised to be aware they could be forced to spend extra time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures.

And dog owners have been urged to avoid exercising their pets during the hottest part of the day. 

Vets Now, a provider of emergency veterinary care, warned that the average survival rate of a dog diagnosed with heatstroke was 50 per cent. 

A woman throws a frisbee as people enjoy the warm weather at Bridlington in East Yorkshire on another very hot day

A woman throws a frisbee as people enjoy the warm weather at Bridlington in East Yorkshire on another very hot day

A couple enjoy the hot weather on their canal boat on Bridgewater Canal in Walton Hall in Cheshire this morning

A couple enjoy the hot weather on their canal boat on Bridgewater Canal in Walton Hall in Cheshire this morning

Unicyclist Jason Auld practises in front of the Scottish Parliament whilst enjoying the hot weather at Holyrood Park today

Unicyclist Jason Auld practises in front of the Scottish Parliament whilst enjoying the hot weather at Holyrood Park today

People sunbathe at Battersea Park in South West London as temperatures soar once again in Britain

People sunbathe at Battersea Park in South West London as temperatures soar once again in Britain

Zachary Bower, four, and Isabelle Bower, eight, make sandcastles at Bridlington in East Yorkshire this morning

Zachary Bower, four, and Isabelle Bower, eight, make sandcastles at Bridlington in East Yorkshire this morning

Josh Atkins, 14, and Oliva Atkins, ten, play in the sea at Bridlington in East Yorkshire this morning

Josh Atkins, 14, and Oliva Atkins, ten, play in the sea at Bridlington in East Yorkshire this morning

Two women look at their phones while sunbathing at Battersea Park in South West London this morning

Two women look at their phones while sunbathing at Battersea Park in South West London this morning

A group of women enjoy the warm weather on Hastings beach in East Sussex today as the mini-heatwave continues

A group of women enjoy the warm weather on Hastings beach in East Sussex today as the mini-heatwave continues 

Ten-year-old Noah plays in his paddling pool as he cools off in his garden during hot weather in Hertford today

Ten-year-old Noah plays in his paddling pool as he cools off in his garden during hot weather in Hertford today

A group of women enjoy sunbathing among the fishing boats at Hastings in East Sussex today

A group of women enjoy sunbathing among the fishing boats at Hastings in East Sussex today

Two men enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, today as the UK enjoys another day of the mini-heatwave

Two men enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, today as the UK enjoys another day of the mini-heatwave

Visitors to Hastings make the most of the hot weather today as the mini-heatwave continues for Britain

Visitors to Hastings make the most of the hot weather today as the mini-heatwave continues for Britain

A young man enjoys the hot weather in the sea off Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon

A young man enjoys the hot weather in the sea off Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon

People enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, today as sunseekers flock to beaches around the UK

People enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, today as sunseekers flock to beaches around the UK

A couple relax in the warm weather and sunshine on the southern bank of the River Thames in London this afternoon

A couple relax in the warm weather and sunshine on the southern bank of the River Thames in London this afternoon

Sarah Emberson (left) and John Kelly (right) pose with their children Eirnn, Eve, Elliot and Elise next to their homemade recreation of Glastonbury - which was due to have been taking place this weekend - at their home in Hertfordshire today

Sarah Emberson (left) and John Kelly (right) pose with their children Eirnn, Eve, Elliot and Elise next to their homemade recreation of Glastonbury – which was due to have been taking place this weekend – at their home in Hertfordshire today

Tents on Bournemouth beach this morning as people camped overnight on the Dorset coast for the best spot today

Tents on Bournemouth beach this morning as people camped overnight on the Dorset coast for the best spot today

Boy, 10, dies after getting into difficulty in Scottish loch amid frantic search by emergency services

A boy has died after getting into difficulty in a Scottish loch amid a frantic search by emergency services.

The ten-year-old passed away at Loch Lubnaig near Callander in Stirlingshire yesterday. The child was reported as having ‘difficulty in the water’ at 5.35pm after he reportedly fell into a river near the loch.

Loch Lubnaig near Callander in Stirlingshire (file picture)

Loch Lubnaig near Callander in Stirlingshire (file picture) 

A four-hour rescue operation involving a helicopter was launched. Police said the incident was not suspicious. 

A spokesman said: ‘A ten-year-old boy has died following an incident in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, on June 24.

‘Emergency services were called around 5:35pm to reports of a child experiencing difficulty in the water. Sadly, the boy died. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.’

The RSPCA said it had received 330 calls in regard to animal welfare and the hot weather since March 23, adding it was expecting ‘hundreds more’ as temperatures increase this week. 

Meanwhile, fire chiefs said they wanted to ‘debunk this myth’ that hand sanitiser left in hot cars could pose a fire risk.

Roy Wilsher, National Fire Chiefs Council chair said: ‘We want to reassure people that this product will not combust if left in a car – even on the hottest day. For hand sanitiser to cause a fire it would need to come into contact with a spark.

‘Hand sanitiser is very important in the fight against the spread of Covid-19, therefore it is is essential we debunk this myth.’

People are advised to keep their hand sanitisers containers closed and out of direct sunlight and ensure they keep it away from any naked flame.

London Fire Brigade has warned people not to have barbecues on dry grass, not to drop cigarettes or matches, and not to leave rubbish such as glass bottles lying around amid a risk they could start fires.

In Dorset, stunned officials in Bournemouth today slammed ‘vile idiots’ who left 20 tons of litter strewn across the resort’s beaches following the hottest day of the year.

They blamed a ‘breakdown in decent, civic behaviour’ for the appalling mass of rubbish left behind by over 100,000 visitors – and volunteer litter pickers found many of the public bins were still half empty.

Shocking pictures taken at 4.30am this morning before the local council’s beach cleaning team arrived to clear the mess have sparked fury on social media.

Temperatures are expected to hit 33C or 34C in Britain today

It comes after the hottest day of the year so far yesterday

Temperatures are expected to hit 33C or 34C in Britain today (left) after the hottest day of the year so far yesterday (right)

UV radiation

Pollen court

The Met Office has warned of very high UV levels today (left) as well as a very high pollen count for hayfever sufferers (right)

The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning for the West from 4pm today

Thunderstorm warning tomorrow

The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings for the West from 4pm today (left) and the whole country tomorrow (right)

Stunned officials in Bournemouth today slammed 'vile idiots' who left 12 tonnes of litter strewn across the resort's beaches

Stunned officials in Bournemouth today slammed ‘vile idiots’ who left 12 tonnes of litter strewn across the resort’s beaches

Officials in Bournemouth blamed a 'breakdown in decent, civic behaviour' for the appalling mass of rubbish left behind

Officials in Bournemouth blamed a ‘breakdown in decent, civic behaviour’ for the appalling mass of rubbish left behind

Shocking pictures were taken at 4.30am today before the council's cleaning team arrived to clear the mess in Bournemouth

Shocking pictures were taken at 4.30am today before the council’s cleaning team arrived to clear the mess in Bournemouth

Rubbish which was collected from the beach piled high at Durdle Door in Dorset this morning as the hot weather continues

Rubbish which was collected from the beach piled high at Durdle Door in Dorset this morning as the hot weather continues

The bins on Jesus Green in Cambridge overflowing with rubbish today as the hot weather continues

The bins on Jesus Green in Cambridge overflowing with rubbish today as the hot weather continues

Litter strewn across a park in Bournemouth in Dorset today as people continue to head to the beach to enjoy the heat

Litter strewn across a park in Bournemouth in Dorset today as people continue to head to the beach to enjoy the heat

A sheep sits next to an overflowing bin in the shade at Tredegar Comprehensive School in Wales this morning

A sheep sits next to an overflowing bin in the shade at Tredegar Comprehensive School in Wales this morning

Andy Meldrum skis on some of the remaining snow patches on the slopes of Meall a'Bhuiridh in Glencoe today

Andy Meldrum skis on some of the remaining snow patches on the slopes of Meall a’Bhuiridh in Glencoe today

The sun rises at Blyth in Northumberland as Britain sweats through a June heatwave with temperatures set to climb further

The sun rises at Blyth in Northumberland as Britain sweats through a June heatwave with temperatures set to climb further

A woman looks at the English lavender prior to it being harvested at Roskorwell Farm at St Keverne in Cornwall yesterday

A woman looks at the English lavender prior to it being harvested at Roskorwell Farm at St Keverne in Cornwall yesterday

Vikki Slade, the leader of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, said: ‘It doesn’t matter what we do, these vile idiots will ignore the rules. The disgusting mess left on our beaches makes me want to weep.

‘People urinating within sight of loos, parking illegally and just accepting the fine and ignoring the message of don’t come to Dorset is a breakdown of civic behaviour.’

One of the litter pickers on the beach was Peter Ryan, 61, who founded the community group Dorset Devils.

He said: ‘It is sad, disappointing and disgusting to see the beach in such a state. It is the jewel in the crown of the area and it does not deserve to be treated like this.

‘There were so many empty beer bottles, vodka bottles and cans of all varieties left on the sand, even though some of the bins on the pier were half empty. They’ve shown no care whatsoever for this beautiful environment.’ 

Hot weather memes

Hot weather memes

Twitter users posted a series of memes complaining that the high temperatures overnight had left them too hot to sleep

Claire Shouksmith told the Bournemouth Echo today that she saw ‘several piles of human faeces, toilet paper and nappies’, dog mess, urine stains down the pavements, cars still badly parked yesterday and a ‘disgusting’ stench.

At the beach, she said there was ‘masses of rubbish’, a ‘stench of urine and more faeces’, dog mess in the sand despite not being allowed on that part of the beach, campfire debris and broken beer bottles on the sand.

She said: ”I’ve lived here for 14 years it’s usually lovely, clean and peaceful, busy when the weather hot but never have I seen the place left in this horrific state. Why the hell do people think they can use the streets as a toilet? 

‘The actual toliets are open all day! When did just leaving your rubbish anywhere become acceptable behaviour and as for the campfires in the sandbleft for people to walk through and burn their feet, I’m lost for words.’

In the North West police foiled an illegal rave on the beach, seizing a generator, a DJ mixing deck and 20 speakers. Five arrests were made as well as 60 parking tickets issued and 15 dispersal notices at Formby beach, Merseyside.

A section 34 Dispersal Zone was put in place until 2.30pm on Friday as a direct response to the number of people flocking there in the hot weather.

It’s ‘Weston-super-Mud’! Tourists are spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in Somerset town

Tourists were spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in a seaside town – dubbed ‘Weston-super-Mud’.

One onlooker said more than 100 people had made their way to the water during low tide in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. With temperatures hitting the 90Fs, some people headed for a dip – but a large group got stuck in mud.

Pictures show members of the local coastguard trying to help as the revellers tried to go for a paddle. A Weston-Super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team spokesman confirmed they were called to the scene.

One witness said: ‘There was over 100 people seen making their way across the mud to reach the sea. Some were carrying children and were observed struggling to get back to the shore.’ 

Tourists were spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in a seaside town - dubbed 'Weston-super-Mud'.

Tourists were spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in a seaside town – dubbed ‘Weston-super-Mud’. 

One onlooker said more than 100 people had made their way to the water during low tide in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

One onlooker said more than 100 people had made their way to the water during low tide in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

With temperatures hitting 90F highs yesterday, some people in Somerset headed for a dip - but a large group got stuck in mud

With temperatures hitting 90F highs yesterday, some people in Somerset headed for a dip – but a large group got stuck in mud

Gardeners work to get picturesque walled gardens looking like a sea of colour before visitors are welcomed back

Gardeners have worked round the clock to get walled gardens designed by Sir Walter Scott looking like a sea of colour, before visitors are welcomed back.

Scott, who is considered to have popularised tartan and invented the historical novel, lived at Abbotsford House near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, where he died in 1832.

He also designed the walled gardens, wanting them to be ‘intimate’ and connected to the house, which was built in Baronial style as a ‘castle in miniature’.

Tim Owen, head gardener of Abbotsford House, once home of Sir Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders, works in the garden

Tim Owen, head gardener of Abbotsford House, once home of Sir Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders, works in the garden

The walled gardens, which would have been used as kitchen gardens during Scott's lifetime, are now a sea of colour

The walled gardens, which would have been used as kitchen gardens during Scott’s lifetime, are now a sea of colour

The gardens will reopen to the public on July 1 – having had just two people looking after them, although locals have been able to wander around the estate including the banks of the River Tweed.

The walled gardens, which would have been used as kitchen gardens during Scott’s lifetime, are a sea of colour having been lovingly maintained during the lockdown.

And this week, 15 volunteers were thrilled to be allowed back to tend to rose beds and apple trees. Entry is usually ticketed but that is being waived and a donation is being asked for.

Head gardener Tim Owen said: ‘We have been keeping things going as well as possible. The intention was to keep the garden going for people, as it would be as if people were coming in. Our main focus was on the walled garden.

‘In other areas we would go round and check the estate. We have got three miles of woodland paths for all abilities, and where the lockdown has eased we have seen families out and about.

Mr Owen, 54, said: 'Everybody that's involved loves the place. It has given volunteers a boost being allowed to come back'

Mr Owen, 54, said: ‘Everybody that’s involved loves the place. It has given volunteers a boost being allowed to come back’

The gardens in the Scottish Borders will reopen to the public on July 1 - having had just two people looking after them

The gardens in the Scottish Borders will reopen to the public on July 1 – having had just two people looking after them

‘The walled gardens, in Scott’s time, were kitchen gardens. We have got vegetables, fruit, apple trees and pear trees. We try to plant it to keep it going until the end of November.’

The walled gardens already have a one-way system in place and will be open to visitors on a donations basis. Signs will be put up reminding people to keep a physical distance.

Mr Owen, 54, added: ‘Everybody that’s involved loves the place. It has given volunteers a boost being allowed to come back.’

Entry is usually ticketed but since the five-metre mile travel restriction has been in place, the estate has been open to visitors.

Losses have racked up to £350,000 with no visitors coming in – and the gardens had only been opened for a couple of weeks before it had to close.

But the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £224,200 to pay for day to day costs.

Is a hosepipe ban on the way? Water levels in reservoirs are dropping so much that BEACHES have appeared

A hosepipe ban has been threatened after temperatures in Britain soared causing water levels in reservoirs to drop so much that beaches have appeared.

As people flocked to beaches and beauty spots, utility bosses warned that the dry weather and extra use of water during lockdown mean a drought is likely.

Dramatic pictures show how dry reservoirs in the North West of England have become. Levels have dropped at the Wayoh, Yarrow and Rivington reservoirs in Lancashire so much that some families have even flocked there to sunbathe.

Yarrow Reservoir at Rivington in Lancashire is pictured today with very low levels during the mini-heatwave for Britain

Yarrow Reservoir at Rivington in Lancashire is pictured today with very low levels during the mini-heatwave for Britain

Levels have dropped at the Yarrow reservoir in Lancashire so much that some families have even flocked there to sunbathe

Levels have dropped at the Yarrow reservoir in Lancashire so much that some families have even flocked there to sunbathe

But water bosses are now warning they may have to take ‘additional measures’ – which could include a hose pipe ban – to keep taps flowing and prevent a crisis.

Water suppliers United Utilities has written to households to say it is doing everything it can ‘to avoid having to introduce any water restrictions’.

The firm urged people to take ‘simple measures that can make a massive difference’, including avoiding using hosepipes which can save a whopping 1,000 litres an hour.

The letter states: ‘Our reservoir levels across the North West are getting to the point when we may need to take additional steps to protect our remaining water supplies.

Jumbles Reservoir, near Bolton in Greater Manchester, is also looking dry today after levels continued to drop through June

Jumbles Reservoir, near Bolton in Greater Manchester, is also looking dry today after levels continued to drop through June

Jumbles Reservoir is pictured today as United Utilities issued a hosepipe warning after witnessing a big increase in the demand for water

Jumbles Reservoir is pictured today as United Utilities issued a hosepipe warning after witnessing a big increase in the demand for water

‘We know every drop counts so we’ve got extra teams spotting and repairing leaks across the region too.’

Demand for water increased with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic as people stayed at home.

After with the driest May on record in England and the sunniest start to the spring since records began in 1929, water bosses are urging people to make simple changes.

A United Utilities spokesman said: ‘Our reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year because of the unusually fine, dry spring we have had.

‘This coupled with more people are at home due to Covid-19, and some recent very warm weather has, at times, seen customers using much more water than you’d expect.

‘Even with some sudden heavy downpours over the last week in some parts of the North West, we’ve not had enough rain to make much of a difference as we’re still using water quicker than the reservoirs can fill up.

Low water levels at Yarrow Reservoir in Lancashire are pictured today with levels in the North West continuing to drop through June

Low water levels at Yarrow Reservoir in Lancashire are pictured today with levels in the North West continuing to drop through June

People visit the Jumbles Reservoir today amid concerns over low rainfall and warmer temperatures across the country

People visit the Jumbles Reservoir today amid concerns over low rainfall and warmer temperatures across the country

‘And with this week’s forecast promising some very hot days ahead, we expect demand for water to increase once again. As a responsible company, we’re keeping a close eye on things and have put well-tested contingency plans in place.

‘This includes using our huge regional interconnected system of pipes to move water around our region so that we take less from sensitive water sources wherever we can, stepping up our action on leaks and cutting our own water usage.

‘We are asking our customers to help because water is a precious resource that we share with the North West’s environment.

‘There will never be a better time to make those simple changes – such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth – which have little impact on your daily life, but could add up to a big difference.’

Popular Sussex beach forced to close its car parks amid astonishing demand 

One of Sussex’s most popular beaches has been forced to close its car parks after high demand paralysed the road network.

Police have also closed the A259 on the approach to the seaside destination of Camber Sands because of the sheer volume of traffic. Today is set to be the hottest day of the year so far.

A spokesman for Rother District Council said: ‘Camber Sands car parks are already full and closed and a police road closure is in place – do not travel to Camber.’

Police closed the A259 on the approach to Camber Sands (pictured this week) because of the sheer volume of traffic

Police closed the A259 on the approach to Camber Sands (pictured this week) because of the sheer volume of traffic

Camber Sands was also gridlocked yesterday after ‘thousands of cars’ descended on the area and overwhelmed the car parks.

Pictures taken from the scene yesterday showed cars stacked up along the narrow roads with nowhere to move.

The huge demand has left Rother District Council concerned that emergency services would be delayed to the area in the event of an accident.

Officers in Rother are in attendance at Camber Sands and have pleaded with people to not come to the area.

It is the second day running that huge crowds of people have flocked to Camber Sands in the hot weather, enforcing closures.

A council spokesman said yesterday: ‘On the hottest day of the year so far, we have again seen a huge number of people heading to the beach which led to all three car parks and the overflow field being closed at 1pm.

‘This resulted in gridlock with thousands of cars queuing for hours with nowhere to go – despite signs on the main roads advising people car parks are full.’ 

Thrill-seeker risks his life by jumping 200ft off the top of Durdle Door just three weeks after three men were seriously injured doing exactly the same

This is the moment a thrill-seeker today risked his life by jumping 200ft off the top of Durdle Door just three weeks after three men were seriously injured doing the same thing.

The young man dressed only in swimming shorts ignored warning signs and a safety fence to climb bare-foot to the top of the rocky arch on the Dorset coast.

He then flung himself off the top and plummeted with his arms outstretched before landing awkwardly in the water on his back. The impact caused a sickening smack and a huge splash.

The man jumps from the top of Durdle Door in to the sea below on the Dorset coast

The man jumps from the top of Durdle Door in to the sea below on the Dorset coast

Moments before, the man scrambles along the knife edge ridge to get on top of Durdle Door to make the jump

Moments before, the man scrambles along the knife edge ridge to get on top of Durdle Door to make the jump

Incredibly, the daredevil returned to the surface and swam back to the beach seemingly unscathed. The incident came three weeks after three tombstoners were hospitalised after carrying out the same stunt.

On that occasion one man who was recovered from the sea had stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

A second man suffered serious back injuries in the fall and spent three days in hospital while the third man suffered a suspected broken leg.

A man who witnessed today’s jump said: ‘I couldn’t believe somebody was foolish enough to do it again. It was early in the day and there weren’t that many people on the beach. I spotted him start to climb the rocks to get to the top. 

The young man dressed only in swimming shorts ignored warning signs and a safety fence to climb bare-foot to the top of the rocky arch

The young man dressed only in swimming shorts ignored warning signs and a safety fence to climb bare-foot to the top of the rocky arch

‘He must have been very determined because he didn’t have any trainers on or anything. Then when he got to the top he jumped without any hesitation. 

‘He landed really awkwardly on his back and it made a sickening sound when he hit the water. He was very lucky not to have been badly injured or even killed, but then you don’t know if he suffered any internal injuries.’

Although tombstoning off the iconic archway at the heart of the Jurassic Coast is not allowed. there is nothing to stop people from doing so.

Coastguards have issued numerous warnings against doing so, not least as there are submerged rocks beneath the door.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk