Visitors told to expect ‘different experience’ in Dales after lockdown
VISITORS TO the Yorkshire Dales have been warned to expect a different experience at the National Park compared to pre-coronavirus days as social distancing remains in place.
Cafes, restaurants, pubs, visitor attractions, hotels and campsites have been welcoming customers.
Neil Heseltine, the chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Expect a different visitor experience.
“Local businesses will have strict social distancing measures in place and may limit how many people can be accommodated at any given time. Please show patience and understanding.”
He added that potential visitors should respect the land, community and each other, and check ahead for any changes to avoid disappointments.
Mr Heseltine said: “It’s great to see so many local businesses back open, especially in the hospitality sector – which is so important to our local economy.”
Days after the lockdown was announced in March, David Butterworth, the chief executive of the authority, criticised people who had visited the Dales, some “acting so irresponsibly at a time of national crisis”.
Areas such as Malham, Burnsall and Horton-in-Ribblesdale became particular hotspots for visitors.
North Yorkshire Police, the force which covers the Dales, issued the highest number of fines for breaches of coronavirus lockdown rules in England.
Some 1,082 of the 15,715 Fixed Penalty Notices in England until June 8 were handed out in the county.