VISITORS to the Dales this bank holiday weekend are being asked to observe social distancing and avoid busy areas.

The national park authority is also asking motorists to use car parks and not park in village centres.

It is also saying people should only come to the park in family groups, and is warning against the use of barbecues, which pose a fire risk with the ground being 'tinder dry'.

The authority is also asking visitors and residents to 'respect each other'.

Carl Lis, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said the park's car parks were currently free to NHS staff and social carers.

“National park authority car parks and toilets are open, and our car park capacity will be regularly updated at yorkshiredales.org.uk in order to help people avoid busy locations. Authority car parks remain free to NHS staff and social carers.

“Most local businesses still remain closed, including cafés, restaurants, pubs, and many local shops, which means visitors will need to be self-sufficient.

"But please don’t bring barbecues as the land is tinder dry and there is a real fire risk."

The park authority is reminding people to 'respect the land' - to exercise within their limitations to keep pressure off local resources, and to know the countryside code, and to respect the plants and wildlife which have thrived during lockdown.

To 'respect the community' –by recognising that many in the community are amongst some of the most vulnerable groups of people. Many still need to self-isolate. While walking, people should keep a safe distance from homes, schools, and farms.

And, to 'respect each other' - to stay two metres apart, keep within family or household groups, and avoid gathering in Dales towns and villages where many of the shops and services remain closed.

And finally, to be kind and respect one another - whether visitor or local.