WITH bars and amusement arcades reopening this weekend, councils are fearful that large crowds may draw to seafront towns this weekend.

In order to allow for social distancing North Yorkshire County Council, Scarborough Borough Council and North Yorkshire Police has decided to close Pier Road to allow for social distancing, starting from 10.30am on Saturday and Sunday with no definitive end.

Stuart Clark, Scarborough Borough Council Venues Manager, said: “The number of people visiting Whitby since the coronavirus restrictions started to ease has increased significantly each week. This is great news for businesses, but we do need to ensure people stay safe.

"Pier Road as a particularly busy area with narrow pavements, so closing the road to traffic will help pedestrians to enjoy Whitby more safely.”