Hot Walls 'not closed' but warnings were issued to deter sunbathers, says Portsmouth City Council

SIGNS at the Hot Walls saying the beach has been closed does not mean it is closed, the city council has said.
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Portsmouth police yesterday tweeted to say officers have been patrolling but that the site was now closed.

They said: ‘To help discourage sunbathers and beach BBQs, Southsea has closed the Hot Walls.’

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A Portsmouth City Council sign said: ‘Coronavirus alert. This beach is closed until further notice.’

Portsmouth police said officers have closed the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth on April 15, 2020. Picture: facebook.com/portsmouthpolicePortsmouth police said officers have closed the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth on April 15, 2020. Picture: facebook.com/portsmouthpolice
Portsmouth police said officers have closed the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth on April 15, 2020. Picture: facebook.com/portsmouthpolice

But a council spokeswoman said the signs were put up at Easter weekend as too many people were sunbathing and not following social distancing rules in the lockdown.

She said: ‘The Hotwalls isn’t closed.

‘The poster was put up at the weekend because people were not following social distancing rules.’