More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Fears of a flood of tourists flocking to many of our beaches as a result of a relaxation of lockdown measures failed to materialise on Saturday.
And mass gatherings proposed in two of our towns, spread on social media by those opposed to any form of lockdown, also failed to attract crowds.
At 1pm this afternoon Margate's beach - normally a magnet for day-trippers - remained quiet.
Social distancing could be seen at the fish and chips still serving.
While nearby beaches at Westgate and Minnis Bay, Birchington, were also quiet.
Meanwhile, in Cliftonville, parts of which have the county's worst death rate, prompting some locals to warn there was "no lockdown here" was also unusually quiet for what is normally the peak time of the weekend.
Many residents along Kent's coast were concerned the decision to allow people to drive to destinations and the mild weather could see crowds surge.
In addition, two 'mass gatherings' planned for Margate and Folkestone today did not appear to go ahead.
Social media posts had encouraged gatherings, flouting social distancing rules, on Margate beach and Dane Park in the town, as well as on Folkestone sea front and at Radnor Park.
The events were organised by the UK Freedom Movement and a flyer advertising them invited people to "be a part of the largest mass gathering since lockdown".
The leaflet, posted on Facebook and Twitter earlier this week, said: "We say no to the Coronavirus Bill. No to the mandatory vaccines. No to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown."
It invited attendees to bring a picnic, some music and "have some fun and say yes to life".
After the leaflet was shared, police, Folkestone council and MP Damian Collins blasted the events, asking people to stay away.
Speaking today, a spokesman for Kent Police said: "No incidents or any gatherings have been reported."
