Council calls on visitors to show consideration
oronavirus is affecting all our lives and making it harder to spend time with people in the ways we’re used to.
Many of us are working from home, and miss socialising in and around the office.
For others, regular gym sessions have been halted, or the coffee shop catch-up with friends put on hold.
Major changes can alter the way we think, the way we feel and the way we behave. And it can affect each of us differently over time. You may feel bored, frustrated… or lonely. Loneliness is a natural reaction as we social distance or isolate, and it’s important that you don’t blame yourself for those feelings. Don’t be afraid to talk – staying in touch is vital to our wellbeing, and you may be surprised how many people feel the same. Anyone can suffer from loneliness, but older people and those caring for them are some of the worst affected.
Dignity in Dementia is a National Lottery-funded charity in Cumbria that supports local people living with the condition and helps them stay connected to their local community.
With face-to-face groups and activities halted, the organisation has created a guide for carers to use at home, with simple exercises, and a Facebook page so friends and loved ones can share inspiring photos.
We all need to keep connected.
A COUNCIL has reiterated warnings to visitors to its borough to act responsibly and respect the local environment, people and animals.
Calderdale Council has experienced issues in some areas, including Ogden Water at Halifax and Gaddings Dam, in the south Pennines above Todmorden, in the early part of lockdown because of the COVID19 pandemic.
They are reminding visitors that the Countryside Code has been revised since COVID-19, to include guidance around safely sharing the space with other users and planning ahead to check what facilities are open.
Many countryside facilities in Calderdale are still closed based on public health advice, including the toilets, shop and visitor centre at Ogden Water and at the Jerusalem Farm’s campsite and toilets above Luddenden village.
Parking at many sites is also extremely limited and visitors should not park on grass verges or block in local residents – leave the car at home if possible.
And while the majority of visitors have been respectful to the environment, there are continued issues with littering at some sites and the council is urging people take their rubbish home.
Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities Coun Susan Press (Lab, Todmorden), said although most users of Calderdale’s outdoor spaces did so sensibly, it was important everyone was considerate of others.
“Many of our sites, bridleways and footpaths have been busier recently and it’s great that people are being active, but we all have a responsibility to consider local communities and be aware of other people also enjoying the countryside.
“The Countryside Code sets out a number of ways we can all respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors.
“It’s also important to follow COVID-19 guidance – remember to check opening restrictions before travelling and continue to follow social distancing guidelines,” she said.
Calderdale has around 125 miles of bridleways, increasingly popular with both walkers and cyclists, and people should be aware these routes were busier than normal at the moment, she said.
Cyclists are asked to stick to the bridleways and not use footpaths or create woodland tracks.
In turn, walkers should be mindful of their surroundings, be vigilant and stop, look and listen on entering a field, looking out for any animals and watch how they are behaving, particularly bulls or cows with calves.
The council also continues to work with partners at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police to enforce Public Space Protection Orders in areas of the countryside to prevent fires.
These orders prohibit the lighting of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns or anything that causes a fire risk – failure to comply is a criminal offence, said Coun Press.