PEOPLE are being advised not to make unnecessary trips to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Now that the country is in another national coronavirus lockdown, the national park has said everyone should stay at home and not make unnecessary trips either to the area, or around it.

National park offices in Grassington and Bainbridge are closed to the public as well as visitor centres and the Dales Countryside Museum.

National park car parks, toilets and public rights of way will remain open for local people to exercise and shop for essentials.

It is important these are not blocked or obstructed, says the national park.

However, where rights of way pass close to, or through residential and agricultural properties, Government advice regarding social distancing should be strictly adhered to.

Neil Heseltine, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “The message is clear, stay home, exercise locally, and avoid all unnecessary travel.

“Many people in our communities fall into the most vulnerable category of people. This means:

• No-one should be coming to the national park for recreation or leisure, for example a picnic or a social meeting.

• No-one should travel outside of their local area for exercise.

“Finally, the Yorkshire Dales will be here for us all when this is over. It isn’t going anywhere, and neither should you. Please stay home and plan for when local businesses across the park will be back up and running and delighted to welcome you back”.

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