PEOPLE are being reminded to stay at home and not visit the Yorkshire Dales this weekend.

Neil Heseltine, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority says people should continue to exercise locally and not make unnecessary visits to the Dales including to hot-spots such as Malham.

“We know the weather has improved and a roadmap out of lockdown is coming, but now is not the time to get ahead of yourself and start making trips into or around the national park. Please continue to respect each other by respecting the guidance.

“Our partners at North Yorkshire and Cumbria Police have indicated they’ll be engaging, explaining, encouraging and enforcing the stay-at-home message again this weekend, and we’d like to thank them for their continued support in helping keep our communities safe."

He added: “We’re confident that, in the not-too-distant future, our local hospitality businesses will be back up and running and people will be able to travel freely throughout the national park. But, until that moment arrives, please continue to follow the official advice, and stay home”.

National park offices, visitor centres and the Dales Countryside Museum at Hawes remain closed.

The national park car parks, toilets and public rights of way remain open however for local people taking exercise and for use by the emergency services.

The latest Covid-19 guidance for people living and working in the National Park is updated regularly at: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/category/covid-19/