‘Staying alert’ in Hastings: Are the government’s latest lockdown rules being followed on the beach?

People grapple with mixed messages as relaxation of coronavirus guidance comes as council urges people not to visit, finds Harry Cockburn

Hastings beach remains relatively quiet despite warm sunny weather (Harry Cockburn)

Looking out across Hastings seafront this weekend, the sun is shining and the turquoise sea is calm.

A large fishing boat is heading out from the beach, two canoeists paddle past the harbour arm and in the distance several enormous container ships travel west along the English Channel.

Despite the normality of the scene, the beach, which would usually be busy during such fine weather, remains relatively quiet, though numbers are up after weeks of desertion.