Farmer confronts kayaker who claimed lockdown rules ‘different in rural areas’

THIS is the moment a Jaguar driver is confronted by a North Wales farmer for removing a ‘road closed’ sign on a remote beach lane.

Eric Roberts was visiting land near Aberffraw, where he keeps some sheep and realised another vehicle was heading his way despite the lane to the beach at Porth Cwyfan, Anglesey being closed

Mr Roberts filmed the driver moving the “road closed” signs and cones before he confronted him about his actions in the wake of Government guidance that has banned any non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Roberts asked the driver, the sole occupant of the Jaguar Epace vehicle, why he was ignoring the Covid-19 lockdown laws which had been in place for almost three weeks.

But the driver dismissed Mr Roberts’ concerns, claiming the rules were set for big towns and cities and did not apply to rural areas such as Aberffraw.

The man said: “Here in a rural environment it is a different kettle of fish”, before adding that he “knew what he was talking about”.

Mr Roberts went on to ask the motorist, who had a kayak in the vehicle, if his journey was essential but the driver said: “No, but I’m keeping away from other people.”

He then walked back to the signs and replaced them before Mr Roberts moved his car to allow the other vehicle to continue.

Former Anglesey councillor Glyn Jones was alerted to the video footage and reported the matter to North Wales Police.

Councillor Bryan Owen, who represents the area on Anglesey Council, added: “I have reported this to the highways dept this morning and they have been in touch with the police. Stay safe everyone.”

The video has been watched more than 40,000 times online and hundreds of comments, most of them supportive of Mr Roberts’ actions, posted.

North Wales Police have been asked to comment.