Stay local plea issued by Northumberland Tourism ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

David Hall has issued a ‘stay local’ message ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

It follows the easing of lockdown restrictions earlier this month which prompted a rise in visitor numbers in some parts of Northumberland last weekend.

Mr Hall said: “Northumberland Tourism is urging people to take extra care and respect local communities following changes to the guidance made by the Prime Minister on Sunday 10 May.

“We would still like to reiterate our initial message and strongly advise that, wherever possible, the public continue to stay local and exercise close to home.

“However, we must address the new guidelines and work to ensure that the public are respectful to our local communities should they choose to visit, and that the county delivers the new guidelines safely and responsibly.

“We would encourage visitors to consider the guidelines in the spirit they were intended, those being to visit the outdoors for the purposes of exercise.

“While we look forward to welcoming visitors to Northumberland's destinations, attractions and experiences in due course, it is still not yet the time for the usual tourist day trip.”

Following the guidelines, certain areas of the county have entered into a phased re-opening and Northumberland County Council has announced a phased re-opening for 41 coastal and visitor car parks as public safety remains a top priority.

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which covers an area from Berwick to Amble, is advising that people do not visit at this time

Northumberland Tourism is asking that visitors adhere to the following guidance:

• Stay away from village and residential centres and strictly observe Government guidelines on social distancing at all times.

• Please do not visit areas where car parks and public toilets remain closed.

• Park only in an official, marked car parking space and if this isn’t possible then please turn around and move on.

• Please be reminded that the government guidance does not currently permit leaving your home to stay overnight at another home.

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