Dear Second Home Owners

Do not visit your second home this Easter.

It is with a heavy heart that we are writing this letter to you, asking you to stay away this Easter.

In South Hams and West Devon, we deeply value the contribution you make to our local communities and our tourism economy, but this week we must ask you to stay in your primary residence to protect us all.

The Government guidance is very clear, you must only leave your home for very specific reasons, only go outside for food, health reasons and work, and only then if you cannot work from home. Only travel where absolutely necessary.

It is now an offence under Regulation 6 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, to leave the place where you are living without a reasonable excuse.

Travelling to your second home is not a reasonable excuse. To prevent the spread of the virus, where we have knowledge of second homes owners committing this offence, we will share that knowledge with the police.

We are extremely worried about our local population, which has a high proportion of vulnerable and elderly residents. By travelling to your second home, you are putting them at risk.

You are also putting extra pressure on all of our services, at a time when they are stretched to capacity protecting the most vulnerable.

We very much look forward to seeing you and welcoming you back when this is all over and current travelling restrictions are lifted.

Stay safe, stay at your primary residence and we will meet again soon!

Thank you

Cllr Neil Jory

Leader of West Devon Borough Council

Cllr Judy Pearce

Leader of South Hams District Council