Hastings Pier representative says guidelines were maintained despite mayor’s apology

Councillor Nigel Sinden was photographed at the event standing close to other representatives as the Grade-II listed structure reopened to the public after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Afterwards, a number of people took to social media to complain about the lack of social distancing on display.

In a statement, on Tuesday (July 7), councillor Sinden said he would not attend any more events until it was safe to do so.

He said: “We did try to keep apart, but at times people crowded in and it wasn’t possible to maintain the 2m distance at all times. I accept that I should lead by example, and I am very sorry that I didn’t on this occasion.

“I will not attend any more events in person until it is safe to do so. We have done very well to keep Covid-19 levels low in Hastings, and I obviously want it to stay that way.”

Following councillor Sinden’s statement, a representative for Hastings Pier said: “I’m happy to state that social distancing guidelines were adhered to, including the introduction of a one way system, volunteer marshals reminding visitors to social distance at all times, introduction of hand sanitisation station and regular sanitisation fogging in all indoor facilities.

“I am aware as a professional photographer that sometimes the angle of the camera can distort spacing etc but social distancing guidelines were adhered to all the time for the safety of visitors and the team.

“The photo of the crowd doesn’t show the distance between each person because the shot was taken directly in front of the crowd, the visitors all adhered to social distancing guidelines.”