Worker filmed struggling to paint social distancing sign at crowded Doncaster beauty spot

This is the moment a worker was captured on camera struggling to paint a social distancing sign at a Doncaster beauty spot – because it was crowded with too many people.
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The footage, shot at Doncaster Lakeside, shows a worker attempting to stencil a sign onto the path around the Marina area – but struggling to find a gap to carry out the work because of groups of people walking past the spot.

The signs have drawn criticism in recent days after being washed away by heavy rain, just days after they were painted, after being painted with non-waterproof paint by Doncaster Council.

The clip of a worker struggling to paint a sign at Doncaster Lakeside.The clip of a worker struggling to paint a sign at Doncaster Lakeside.
The clip of a worker struggling to paint a sign at Doncaster Lakeside.
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The council has also come under fire for urging visitors to stay two metres away from each other on the path – even though it is less than 2m wide.

The passer-by who filmed the clip and who has sent the footage to Doncaster Council and Mayor Ros Jones said: “You couldn’t write it!”

Earlier this week, the Council explained why non-waterproof paint had been used, despite the signs being washed away hours after being painted.

A council spokesperson, said: “The floor stencils were put down at Lakeside and other high footfall locations across the borough during the first lockdown back in May and are continually monitored and refreshed when needed.

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"With the changing Covid-19 guidance it is not appropriate to use permanent paint.

"In addition to the stencils, we do have signs up around the lake to advise people using the area to follow the latest guidance. These are also being monitored.

“Throughout the pandemic we have continued to promote the latest Covid-19 guidance widely through various channels to ensure local people know the latest advice.”

The notices – urging people to stay two metres away from each other – were painted on paths around the Marina area at Lakeside – despite the footpath being less than 2m wide.

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One walker who spotted the blunder said: “Absolute incompetence and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Back in June, the path around the Lakeside Marina was closed off after a video emerged showing walkers, joggers and cyclists of all ages ignoring the 2m social distancing rule.