Restriction on travel to the Dales remain. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

National park bosses in the Yorkshire Dales have urged people not to jump the gun by travelling to the area as pressure to ease lockdown grows.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said police in the area will again be enforcing lockdown restrictions this weekend.

It appealed to the public to stay home, exercise locally, and not to travel unnecessarily.

Authority chair Neil Heseltine said: “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.

“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 authority offices, national park visitor centres and the Dales Countryside Museum remain closed to the public, while national park car parks, toilets and public rights of way remain open for local people taking exercise and for use by the emergency services.

Covid-19 guidance is available on the Yorkshire Dales website.