Taysiders have been urged not to drive to Broughty Ferry for a day out as the weather warms up after reports of the area being “like on a bank holiday”.
Fed-up local residents claim a number of people are continuing to flout lockdown rules by visiting from elsewhere, adding they do not feel safe going for daily exercise as the Esplanade is busier than usual.
The area around the beach and castle has also been targeted by litter louts, with plant pots, plastic packaging, rubber gloves and broken glass being abandoned.
One Brook Street resident, who wished not to be named, said: “I was out for my walk at around 8.30pm on Sunday and saw two plant pots left near the castle.
“Somebody had been using them to play in the sand and make sandcastles.
“That’s fair enough but people do have the responsibility to keep the area clean – don’t just leave them there.
“I’ve been hearing about plastic gloves, which lots of people are using right now, being blown about the area too after people have thrown them out.
“The area is definitely busier for this time of year – the beach is how it would be in July and August.”
Glass and plastic bottles were also among the items spotted by residents.
Another local resident said Broughty Ferry has been busier than pre-coronavirus since the lockdown began.
She added: “As someone living on the Esplanade, it certainly seems to me that it’s busier than it would normally be pre-Covid-19 – families, couples, cars, groups of kids.
“I get folks need exercise, but if I’ve got to stay in and stick to the rules – why can’t everyone else?”
Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan re-iterated that people should only be going out for their exercise and shopping in their local area.
He explained: “Broughty Ferry does feel like a bank holiday just now.
“There are a lot more cyclists and pedestrians than there would normally be at this time of year.
“It’s fine to go out to the beach front if you live in Broughty Ferry but I’d like to remind people that they shouldn’t be driving in for a day out – just like Broughty Ferry residents shouldn’t be going elsewhere.
“By now there shouldn’t be any confusion about the rules.”
“I would also ask people to show a bit of respect and take their rubbish home with them.”
