CAMPSITES and holiday lets in Ryedale have welcomed the announcement of the ‘roadmap’ out of the third national lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his four-stage plan to ease England’s coronavirus restrictions, including staycations, by April 12.

Domestic holidays will not be permitted until the second stage of the strategy – due to begin in six weeks’ time, at the earliest. 

The Prime Minister confirmed that the return of domestic holidays in April would apply to single households. 

Anna Lupton, the owner of Carr House Farm B&B, near Ampleforth, was pleased by the announcement, but stressed the importance of sticking to coronavirus measures. 

“I am sure businesses like myself are pleased to hear finally the rollout of the Government’s roadmap after all the uncertainties of the last 12 months,” she said.

“I think it is important that everyone adheres to the ruling so we can look forward to better times.

“I feel business owners have had time to think about how they will carry their businesses forward in creative and refreshing ways. 

“By injecting new enthusiasm and ideas into their businesses will offer guests even more when they come to visit Ryedale.” 

Phillip Spurr, programme director for Economic Development, Business and Partnerships, added: “Ryedale’s tourism economy has faced unprecedented challenges throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Council has sent out over £30m to affected businesses, including the tourism sector, and continues to get the latest grants out to those who desperately need them.

"We were pleased to receive funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Reopening High Streets Safely scheme.

“This has helped us to establish a safe trading environment for businesses and customers, which we hope will give people the confidence to shop locally and support local traders when lockdown restrictions lift. 

“Ryedale District Council will continue to do everything we can to champion the recovery of the tourism sector."

Richard Flinton, chief executive at North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is urging businesses in the sector to start preparing themselves for reopening when it comes.

“Although we might be thinking about summer holidays and planning for when we can be together once again with friends and family and for social events beyond June, we must remember that the speed at which we come out of lockdown will depend on data - not dates,” he said.

“It’s been a very long winter of restrictions, but we have to give it one last push and keep going.

"We must carry on, therefore, with all the social distancing and safety measures, wearing masks, washing hands, staying local and not mixing indoors to get the rate down as much as we can."