Police and park rangers will be patrolling the area round Burnsall following the closure of its riverside car parking field.

The Daggett family who have run the tourist spot on the banks of the river Wharfe since 1952 said they had made the decision “with heavy hearts and deep appreciation for the memories shared here”.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said parking in the village was “extremely limited” and finding a legal parking space “will be very difficult” in good weather and at weekends. Visitors were likely to end up trying to park in nearby villages in Wharfedale, including Linton Falls and Grassington, which are already very busy.

YDNPA said: “Visitors and strongly encouraged to think carefully before travelling and consider alternative locations.”

Many Yorkshire Post readers responded to the announcement by sharing memories of family picnics, summer days by the River Wharfe and walks through Burnsall stretching back decades.

placeholder image — Many Yorkshire Post readers responded to the announcement by sharing memories of family picnics, summer days by the River Wharfe and walks through Burnsall stretching back decades.

Officers would be present “to help keep roads clear and support responsible visitor behaviour including not littering or using BBQs.

"It is critical that access is maintained at all times for residents, businesses, public services and emergency vehicles.”

The closure came after an inquest opened into the death of 13-year-old Palawsha Akbar, who died after getting into difficulty in the River Wharfe at Burnsall on May 31 while celebrating her birthday with family.

It has sparked an outpouring of memories of family picnics and days spent by the River Wharfe but also frustration and sadness at recent changes.

Burnsall has been described as becoming increasingly busy over the summer, with people talking about litter, disposable barbecues, loud music and overcrowding. Several spoke of the “ruinous” impact of social media platforms like TikTok, attracting people “who have no respect”.

A visitor who stayed at the pub recently said they’d been disturbed by barbecues being lit and burning ashes tipped on the grass: “I’m no killjoy but there was a complete lack of respect for the beautiful peaceful surroundings.” Local residents said the village had become somewhere they avoided on busy weekends because of the volume of visitors.

One commentator said she lived in a village “ruined” by a viral TikTok post, adding: “I totally sympathise with the residents and am chuffed to bits that they might get a bit of peace back into their lives. I wish we could too.”