Visitors and beach users in Sidmouth are being warned to stick to social distancing rules and keep public gatherings to six people or less after anti-social behaviour and rule breaking was reported across East Devon at the weekend.

As Government lock down restrictions are easing, beaches, parks and public spaces in East Devon are busier than ever and visitors are being asked to help the council keep the district tidy, behave responsibly and keep to the two metre social distancing rule.

Since the early May Bank Holiday, people have been taking advantage of the good weather, and the council has seen exceptional levels of demand on its services such as street cleaning, litter bin collections, and toilets.

East Devon District Council is asking visitors to help it 'keep our beautiful public areas as outstanding as they usually are', by using bins provided and if they are full, to please take home their own litter and recycle, and not leave their rubbish alongside the bins.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The council has received many reports of rubbish being left on our beaches and in our parks and gardens and we would appeal to visitors to collect their litter as they leave these areas, take it home and recycle it.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy these beautiful places and not have them blighted by a minority of people who leave their litter behind."

The council is working with the police to educate and advise these groups on how their actions are impacting on others. At the weekend, the council had to close Manor Gardens in Exmouth at the request of the police as there were concerns about the anti-social behaviour of people, drinking on the beach being moved on by the police and settling in the gardens instead.

The council will continue to work with the police and consider closing open spaces if people are not behaving responsibly.

Ten of the council's 27 public toilets are open from 8am to 4pm each day and following government guidelines are being thoroughly cleaned three times a day to reduce the risk of viral transmission.

Staffing these facilities is adding further pressure on the council's services and the council is assessing how it can open further toilets or existing ones for longer.

Skate parks and play parks remain closed in line with government advice and beach huts also remain closed.

Councillor Geoff Jung, the council's portfolio holder for Coast, Country and Environment said: "With people unable to go away on holiday, they are visiting our beaches and beautiful places instead and we're finding that levels of demand on our services are equal to the busiest of summer holiday days.

"Our staff are coping magnificently but we ask for your help by using the bins provided or taking your own litter home if the bins are full. Currently our staff is reduced by 20% due to coronavirus and our budgets have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

"We are doing our very best to contend with the demand but I would ask that people think twice about their visits, and check information on local services before you arrive. Remember your actions can affect people's lives and livelihoods. Take the time to read signage, respect the measures that local authorities and site management have put in place to help ensure social distancing, and please act responsibly."