The Yorkshire Dales are now out of bounds to visitors. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

National park bosses in the Yorkshire Dales have urged people not to visit the area during the latest lockdown.

Many residents in the area are in the most vulnerable group at risk if they contract Covid-19, they said.

Car parks and toilets run by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority remain open for use by locals, but its offices in Bainbridge and Grassington, along with visitor centres and the Dales Countryside Museum are closed to the public.

Rights of way in the national park remain open for local people to take exercise, and shop for essentials. It is important these are not blocked or obstructed, the authority said.

It urged everyone to stay home and not to make unnecessary trips to, or around the national park.

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

Authority chair Neil Heseltine 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.”

Guidance for local residents can be found on the authority’s website. https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/category/covid-19/