Council wardens are to be sent to Luss this weekend in a bid to avoid a repeat of the scenes last weekend when large crowds gathered at the picturesque village on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Argyll and Bute Council says it plans to "work closely with Police Scotland to monitor anti-social behaviour" in the area, including parking congestion, littering and reports that people were using the beach as an "open air toilet".
The warm weather, and the easing of lockdown restrictions, brought high volumes of visitors to Luss, Arrochar and other popular tourist hotspots on Saturday and Sunday – sparking concern that the health of local residents was being put in danger from the increased risk of coronavirus transmission.
Councillor Robin Currie, the council’s policy lead for roads and infrastructure, said: “It is disappointing that some people chose to ignore national advice and clearly travelled more than five miles to visit.
READ MORE: First Minister admits concern over lockdown breaches as Loch Lomond visitor numbers soar
"We cannot be complacent whilst the risk of infection remains. The reckless actions of a few may impact us all. Ignoring advice to stay local will simply delay our recovery and have a further impact on the economy.
"We understand that people are desperate to enjoy being outdoors but we still need to exercise caution and help protect our rural communities. Our car parks and toilets remain closed so please think very carefully before making a journey.
"Our local economy depends on the tourism industry and we are just as keen as everyone to welcome people back to the area, but only when it is safe.”
The chances of a repeat of last weekend's gatherings this Saturday and Sunday may be somewhat reduced by a more changeable weather forecast: at present the Met Office is predicting cloudy weather conditions for the area for most of Saturday and Sunday, with maximum temperatures of 15 degrees Centigrate – some 10 degrees lower than the peak last weekend.
National guidance remains:
– Stay at home as much as possible
– Stay local (within five miles of your home) for outdoor exercise
– Avoid busy and popular beauty spots
– Keep two metres apart
Read the latest Government advice by clicking here.
READ MORE: Catch up with the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines by clicking here
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