Walpole closes to holidaymakers

Walpole is attempting to close itself off to visitors before the usually busy Easter holiday period.

Walpole BP owner Jason Calleja said the town’s IGA supermarket would only serve locals and could request identification.

Locals included residents from Walpole, Bow Bridge, Nornalup, Peaceful Bay and surrounds.

Holidaymakers and other visitors would not be served, he said, while the town’s BP service station would open from 7am-5pm for fuel and essential items only.

Mr Calleja said there was a Caltex bowser at the IGA providing 24-hour fuel.

“Everyone on holidays needs to go home,” Mr Calleja said.

“Walpole in peak season becomes a sardine tin of humanity and that’s not going to happen.

“We need to look after our locals. We have a very elderly population and we need to look after our community.”

“Easter is by far our peak time. It’s huge for us and certainly helps sustain the town, but right now we need to protect our people.”