Lines of parked cars as visitors stream to Dales
DRIVERS arriving in droves to one of the most picturesque parts of the county have been lining the tight rural roads as they arrive to find car parks are still closed.
This scene, captured on Sunday, shows a huge line of parked cars in Thorpe Road, on the edge of Dovedale, and locals have reacted angrily to the influx of visitors to their rural idyll, fearing such scenes could lead to a return of strict lock-down measures.
Last week the Government eased the current coronavirus restrictions to allow people to exercise for as long as they wanted, and also to drive out other destinations.
However, many local authorities and private landowners have chosen not to reopen their car parks, in a bid to try and keep visitors away – but as Sunday’s scenes show, motorists are finding other ways to park up and enjoy the countryside.
The line of vehicles parked in Thorpe mirrored a scene in Matlock Bath on Sunday, as a line of motorcyclists made the most of the fine weather and rode to the tourist hotspot.
A walker who took photographs of the gathering estimated there were around 200 bikes descending on the village over the weekend, and said he saw groups of people sat on benches “three-to-four abreast”.
The influx has also led to another unpleasant problem developing, according to Derbyshire Dales District Council, which says visitors have responded to the lack of toilet facilities being open by relieving themselves in the streets and off the footpaths.
In a Facebook post, Derbyshire police condemned the behaviour and added there had also been issues with “open spaces”.
They said: “Facilities remain closed despite some parks and recreational spaces opening up again.
“We have also received reports of people going to the toilet in open spaces in Bakewell, which is having a hugely detrimental impact on the lives of people who live there. This is unacceptable behaviour.
“If you must travel to beauty spots and recreational spaces across Derbyshire, please respect the communities that you are visiting.
“Many facilities are still closed, so you must plan accordingly.”