Brecon Beacons National Park To Gradually Re-Open

The following article was first published in Wales Online - There are problems with the content of the article which clearly indicates the lack of vision being employed by the BBNP Authority. And of course the five mile drive rule of thumb still applies, although we guess you could cycle there (for some reason there appears to be a 40 mile rule of thumb for cycling!).

The biggest issue we see is one of clarity for tourism business and this is raised towards the end of the article. We are now two and a half months into lockdown with most countries well on their way to easing restrictions and we have no clear timeline for getting back to 'normality,' which is of the utmost importance for those who run b&b's or activity business' or trekking companies or hire points or cleaning companies etc. All of the business' that service and support and enable the tourism industry are on standby and will likely be the last to be given the green light. We ask the question, what have the authorities been doing with the two and a half months of isolation if not developing a clear and publishable strategy for exit? Anyways... Read on...

'The Brecon Beacons National Park has said it is set to partially reopen for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Following the Welsh Government's announcement on Friday that there would be minor relaxations to lockdown measures, the authority which runs the park said it would to easing restrictions on those who can use the park.

It is hoped that specific areas of the park will reopen for public use by the week commencing Monday, June 8, although it is now known which areas of the park are being considered.

Areas that will remain closed for the time being include Pen y Fan, Waterfalls Country and Llyn y Fan Fach.

Chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Coun Gareth Ratcliffe said: "We would like to thank both residents and visitors for their patience, support and for continuing to respect the restrictions in Wales.

"The protected landscaped will be well worth the wait when it's finally safe to return - safe for local communities, residents and staff."

The park will be operating a traffic light system, similar to the Welsh Government, where they will be looking at reopening sights based on a colour coded system, designating the safety measures needed for each.

The authority is also looking at preparing for the re-opening of car parks and toilets with legionella testing and safety systems put in place.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said it is looking at implementing social distancing measures before any area of the park is reopened.

A spokeswoman from the authority said: "We are currently consulting with partners and local communities to address concerns about opening up car parks and access to the Coast Path, and work is being carried out to plan for safe social distancing measures prior to any opening.

"Further details and specifics will be published on our website and social media channels in the coming days."

But concerns were expressed by councillors at the authority's meeting on Wednesday, after beaches were reopened while car parks remained closed.

Coun Phil Baker, member of the authority, said: "We will continue to review and monitor this carefully and take cautious, measured steps only to provide the benefits of the eased regulations without putting our residents at risk."

The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions has called on the Welsh Government to set aside it's traffic light system when it comes to tourism and to set out a 'specific road map'.

A letter from the association said: "We ask that the First Minister and the Welsh Government reconsider their position with ‘traffic light’ phasing and instead look to adopt a specific road map with set dates and targets for the recovery of our industry.

"Only in this way can businesses’ truly plan for their survival." '

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