Crowds flock to Formby - but by lunchtime there was 'no beach'
People have been making the most of the unseasonably warm weather
As the city region basks in glorious sunshine, a number of daytrippers have flocked to Formby to make the most of the weather.
Car parks and nearby roads were packed out by mid-morning, but by lunchtime there was “no beach”.
By 10.30am the car park at Victoria Road was full, with only a few spaces available at Lifeboat Road.
But by around 12.50pm an unusually high tide meant the water had come right up to the dunes.
In a Facebook post this morning, National Trust said: “We encourage you to plan a trip to this special place for another day.
“We’re expecting a very high spring tide, the sea will reach right up to the dunes and there will be no beach.”
A lifeguard remains in situ on Formby beach and there are patrols on other beaches across Merseyside.
Earlier this week the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) warned people to be careful ahead of lockdown restrictions being eased, and a string of unusually high tides.
Part of their statement reads: “The combination of increased numbers of people, the potential easing of restrictions and the school holiday could put a huge amount of pressure on the RNLI’s volunteer crews.
“On bigger tides like we will see this week, places will be cut off by the tide quicker than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.
“That’s why checking the weather and tides using a trusted online source or a tidal prediction app before setting off on any trip is essential.”
Lifeguards will be on duty every day during the Easter break and then subsequently every weekend at: West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive (which includes part of Leasowe Bay), The Plateaux, New Brighton Perch Rock, Formby, Ainsale and #Southport.
Sefton Council is urging people to “be cautious” about returning to the borough’s beaches.
The council’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones said: “While the relaxation of measures allows us to enjoy some outdoor socialising, it’s not an open invitation for us all to return to the coast, particularly if we don’t live locally.
“Travel must still be minimised, and people are being advised not to travel at busy times, so for some a trip to the coast may need to wait for the further easing of restrictions.”
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