Burnsall Park closes permanently after seven decades following drowning tragedy
A popular riverside BBQ spot in the Dales has permanently closed after seven decades, following a drowning tragedy earlier this year.
In a brief Facebook post, visitors were told Burnsall Park, a large grassed pasture on the east bank of the River Wharfe, had closed.
It didn’t provide an explanation but said: "Please do not travel here as you cannot gain access.
"There is nowhere in Burnsall to BBQ."
It can attract several hundreds cars during the summer months, and has reportedly operated since 1952.
It comes after an inquest opened last month into the death of a 13-year-old who died after getting into difficulty in the River Wharfe at Burnsall on May 31.
Palawsha Akbar's family went there to celebrate her birthday.
The teenager was one of at least 17 people who died after getting into difficulty in water during the recent heatwave.
On June 26 three Craven College students saved the lives of a father and son, after diving into the river to rescue them from drowning.
Villagers had also complained of high numbers of parked cars on narrow lanes and roads, leaving the village partially gridlocked at times on the May Bank Holiday Monday.
Councillor Robert Heseltine, who represent Skipton East & South on North Yorkshire Council, said it wouldn’t have been an easy decision for its owners. "They have quietly managed it over the years for people to come and park up and just enjoy the landscape,” he said. “They are a highly respected family who we can rely on at all times to do the right thing.
“I think the family have come to the conclusion although they run it commercially as a car park they don’t want any more deaths of young children on their conscience.
"They couldn’t control people jumping in the river. The warning signs are up.
"It doesn’t surprise me they have taken this decision. They have done exactly what their conscience has directed them to do.”
Executive Member Councillor Richard Foster, who represents Wharfedale, said a major factor in the decision to close was that it had "become a victim of its own success."
"I think it is very sad they are having to close it. It has been run really, really well.
"It has become a victim of its own success.
“You have to go back to the busy Bank Holiday a few weeks ago when the village was shut down because of a TikTok post.
"They don't want to be doing that to their own village."
Calls to a phone number for Burnsall Park receive a short recorded message: “Burnsall Park is now permanently closed. Thank you.”