“It doesn’t matter what we do these vile idiots will ignore rules,” tweeted Vikki Slade, the leader of Bournemouth Council, who justifiably described the behaviour of the hordes the heatwave brought to her town as “disgusting”.

She was conversing online with Laura Miller, a Conservative from DorsetCouncil, who reported being sworn at and spat at. “We are trying everything we can – signs, road closures, ticketing, education – you name it but it doesn’t work. They don’t care,” Miller said.