Large numbers of anglers spotted fishing at Shakespeare Beach, Dover
12:13, 16 May 2020
updated: 14:42, 21 December 2020
Concerns have been raised over social distancing after a number of anglers gathered on a Kent beach this morning to fish.
Fishing was among the activities to be restricted under the coronavirus lockdown measures but on Wednesday the rules changed and it is now permitted.
Anglers gathered on Dover beach this morning
Under the new government guidelines, people can fish on their own, with their household, or with one other person while adhering to social distancing rules and staying two metres apart at all times.
Outside members of your own household, people should remain two metres apart from other anglers or members of the public at all times.
But a video has emerged of dozens of people fishing at Shakespeare Beach, in Dover, prompting fears social distancing rules are not being followed.
For the most part, the anglers appear to be spread out and standing apart.
But the footage, taken this morning, shows some groups sitting together on the beach and standing next to each other along the coastline.
A member of the public, who contacted KentOnline, suggested some of the anglers were from London.
The man said: "There are so many people fishing at my local beach not following government guideline and most of them are from London."
According to the new guidelines, travelling by car is permitted for exercise, and there are no restrictions on distance.
The concerns about the gathering on the beach comes just days after a group met in a driveway in Upchurch for a birthday party.
