THE streets of Bournemouth and surrounding towns remain eerily quiet today, as the third national coronavirus lockdown came into force across the nation.

Having already been placed in tier four restrictions, the latest government lockdown status hasn't led to any huge changes out and about across the conurbation. Non-essential shops that were shut before remain closed.

Those who were working from home before are working from home again.

Many residents said they thought it was only a matter of time until tougher restrictions would be introduced.

Among them, Bournemouth resident Martin Ackland, who the Daily Echo caught up with as he finished his daily jog – which is allowed – along the promenade.

Mr Ackland said: "The town centre had started to attract bigger more crowds in the run-up to Christmas, when we were in the lower tier and all shops and services could open.

"But since after Christmas it has been heading this way.

"I can appreciate hindsight is a wonderful thing, but this government should have made the call to full lockdown a lot sooner. Or at the very least introduced tougher restrictions pre-Christmas.

"We all just need to get on with it now."

Essential stores, providing foods and medicines, remained open across the conurbation, but footfall was light with just dozens of people out shopping.

Bournemouth's gardens, pier approach and promenade had a few more people present – but none of them appeared to be contravening any regulations by congregating in groups.

Resident Alison Tranter told the Echo: "The main difference this time is that we know there are vaccines out there now.

"I just hope that that we can get this rollout sorted out as soon, and as safely as possible.

"It seems to be a bit of an overused saying at the moment, but the vaccines are the route out of this mess.

"I'm just out to get some essentials, then I'm going back home as quick as I can.

"It is quiet, but its been quiet out for some time now, the quiet it is beginning to feel normal."