Lifting of rules led to surge of tourists

A big surge in tourists into the North York Moors NationalPark has resulted in a sharp rise in litter and even a disregard of warning posters urging people not to tomb-stone dive off the cliffs, say park officers.

Now a plea has gone out to the public to be more considerate.

Michael Graham, Director of Park Services, said the number of visitors to the park and its coastline had rocketed since Covid regulations had been lifted.

HM Coastguard had found that a poster campaign urging people not to dive into the sea off the cliffs hadprovedcounter-productive, with a number defying the messages.The beauty spot of Ravenscar had seen an invasion of visitors, many climbing down the cliffs to see seals.

“We are pleading with the public that while we want them to come to the park and enjoy its landscape they should respect its tranquility and not put themselves and others at risk.”