PEOPLE visiting or living in the North York Moors are being urged to stay apart and act responsibly, while Yorkshire Dales visitors and residents are asked to show respect.

It comes after recent changes to lockdown measures.

From today (Wednesday) the Government is allowing people to “exercise outside as many times each day as they wish." Its guidance states "people may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there.”

At present most facilities in the North York Moors, including toilets, are closed and relaxation of restrictions on the tourism industry are not planned until July at the earliest.

The North York Moors National Park Authority will be carrying out a phased reopening of some of its car parks and public toilets in line with Government guidance. This will include the reopening of car parks at Newton under Roseberry, Sutton Bank and Saltergate from today. The toilets at Sutton Bank will also be reopening shortly. These measures will remain under constant review.

The Authority recognises the importance of allowing those who have struggled to access open spaces since the lockdown to have this opportunity, however public health and safety is its top priority and so is urging everyone to act responsibly.

Andy Wilson, chief executive of the Authority, said: “Unfortunately we cannot yet give you the welcome we would want. We must all act with caution and consider the potential impacts of not social distancing on local communities as well as other visitors. If you cannot keep two metres apart from those not in your own household, you are potentially spreading the virus and putting your own and others’ lives at risk.

“We must also consider that large gatherings at beauty spots will only make social distancing incredibly difficult and so please still consider using open spaces close to your own homes. Lastly, we must remember that our battle with Covid-19 is far from won and so for now: Stay apart. Act responsibly. Save lives.”

Regarding the changes in Government guidance, David Butterworth, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, commented: “This is not the approach we were advocating. Since late April we have been in discussions with Defra about the ‘re-opening’ of the countryside and we, along with many organisations with countryside facilities, have advocated a staged approach with an initial ‘stay local’ message to avoid unnecessary travel and minimise any tension between visitors and local communities.

“However, that message has not prevailed and, as a public body, we are still expected to deliver the Government’s message and manage the situation as professionally and sensitively as we can. We will therefore be opening the Authority-run car parks from today (Monday) and will strive to open toilets as soon as possible; they will be deep cleaned and have new cleaning regimes implemented. By making this decision we’re seeking to mitigate the parking by visitors in village centres and on verges.

“Our message to visitors and residents over the next few weeks is around Respect."

People are asked to respect the land and exercise within their limitations to keep pressure off local resources, and know the countryside code. They should respect the plant and wildlife which has thrived during lockdown.

They are asked to respect the community, with many in the local community amongst some of the most vulnerable groups of people. While walking, keep a safe distance from homes, schools, and farms.

People are also asked to respect each other and stay two metres apart, keep within your family/household groups, and avoid gathering in Dales towns and villages where many of the shops and services remain closed.

The North York Moors National Park Authority would also like to remind everyone that the Government has stated that leaving your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed. This includes visiting second homes, camping and motorhomes.