Angry residents of Yorkshire Dales village tell visitors to stay away

Local police officers posted a photo of West Burton's home-made sign - which implores potential visitors to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak to protect the NHS.

There has been a major backlash against tourism in rural communities, which often have larger elderly populations who have to travel longer distances to access emergency healthcare.

Residents have been urging those living outside of the area not to visit the countryside and help to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The mild spring weather has encouraged day-trippers to visit areas such as the Dales, North York Moors and the coast despite a lockdown now being in place to limit movement.

Police were astonished to see car parks close to Ilkley Moor full yesterday and begged people to exercise only in the vicinity of their own homes. Groups were also seen enjoying picnics on the banks of the River Wharfe.

A campsite owner in Askrigg who has suspended her business posted on Twitter that she was 'at a loss' to understand why people were still calling to try and book pitches for the coming weekend.

While the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has now closed car parks, information centres and other facilities in order to deter visitors.

Official tourism bodies such as Visit England are also advising people to delay their trips and holidays to rural areas until restrictions have been lifted.