The Easter bank holiday weekend is usually the start of the tourist season – but this year, visitors are being asked not to come to Devon while lockdown restrictions are still in place.

Under the Government's 'roadmap to recovery', Monday, April 12 is the earliest date that outdoor attractions and self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets will be allowed to open.

Until then, many facilities, shops and hospitality venues will be partially closed, with food and drink available only from essential shops or takeaways.

Visitors are being warned it is illegal and could be dangerous to travel before Government restrictions are lifted.

With Easter approaching, there are fears that a minority of tourists might be tempted to travel early, before facilities are ready or attractions are open.

On Thursday, March 25, Devon County Council's corporate infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee meeting heard that a 'false start' to the tourist season would risk spreading Covid-19 and put unnecessary extra strain on the emergency services.

Keri Denton, Devon County Council's head of economy, skills and enterprise said: "We will give people a warm welcome when the guidelines allow but not before.

"We are not ready for visitors yet and we do not want to put the summer at risk for the sake of a few more weeks.

"After all our hard work to keep Covid-19 cases in Devon so low we do not want to risk things now."

Care still needed after April 12

Cllr Denton added: "We ask everyone thinking of coming to Devon after April 12, to behave responsibly and make sure you book the sort of accommodation and experiences you can enjoy safely, in advance.

"We also ask potential visitors, as well as our own residents thinking of travelling within Devon, to take extra care and to show our local communities respect and courtesy. This includes the simple things like parking responsibly, respecting the countryside and taking litter away."

But Dr Phil Norrey, Devon County Council's chief executive, added: "Last year we saw little evidence of transmission of the disease in outdoor settings, so even if there is the usual or enhanced number of visitors it won't pose an increased risk,based on what happened last year."

The council is also urging Devon residents and potential visitors after Monday, April 12, to take extra care, to act responsibly and to show local communities courtesy and respect at all times, and with them being urged to 'find a bin or take it home' in a new county-wide anti-littering campaign.