FRESH guidance from the Prime Minister allowing people to visit parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty could spread “an invisible killer” further, community leaders fear.

In a relaxation of lockdown restrictions, Boris Johnson urged Brits to get as much exercise as they like.

He said visits to beauty spots would be permitted, allowing people to take advantage of the “open air.”

While Sheila Beeton, Dedham Parish Council chairman, typically welcomes visitors and the economic boost they bring, she is fearful of a sudden influx.

“It is a desirable situation for many and I understand where this comes from, as it is freeing up people who haven’t got access to a garden or a public space,” she said.

“We are only a small village and we welcome tourism, it’s good for the local economy and the income for businesses.

“We want to share our beautiful village with those that don’t have access to open space.

“But we have one large car park and one small one, we do not want to turn the place into one big car park.

“We don’t have any pubs or restaurants open at present, the Co-op is open, the pharmacy and the butchers – all shops that provide essential services, particularly for the elderly and the vulnerable.

“Even the public toilets are closed.

“We have no facilities for an influx of visitors. That’s the thing that’s really worrying us.

“Personally, I think it is irresponsible for the Government to encourage people to jump course to travelling for hours to beauty spots.”

Carl Powling, West Mersea town mayor, fears a sudden influx of visitors would risk spreading the virus further and would serve as an injustice to the remarkable efforts of volunteers.

Mr Powling said volunteers are delivering up to 100 prescriptions to people in need every day, while a meals on wheels service is delivering up to 40 meals per day.

“What concerns me is people down sitting on the beach in their droves, but the virus is invisible,” he said.

“It is already on the island, people have got it, people have died of it on the island.

“It is an invisible killer.”

He added: “Usually we need visitors for the businesses. But if you give someone an inch, they will take a mile, we’ve seen people taking tents and barbecues down to the the beaches already.”