Stay away call renewed

The pictures of packed beaches in Southend-on-sea have shocked us all this week, and local leaders have reissued the ‘stay away’ message to deter an influx this Bank Holiday weekend.

While normally we are welcoming thousands of visitors into the Welshpool area with open arms this weekend, we have been told by the Welsh Government to take a different stance.

Unlike England, which is grinding back to normality, Wales is still largely operating the lockdown restrictions imposed two months ago and it doesn’t look like they will be eased until next week.

But with garden centres open, and our countryside looking resplendent, we can expect a flow of traffic from the east despite the warnings of increased police checkpoints.

Leader of Powys County Council, Councillor Rosemarie Harris said; “We fully endorse the call for visitors to stay away until national restrictions have been relaxed. The country has seen a slow-down in infection rates and the number of deaths, but we are not out of the woods yet and must remain vigilant.

“Any increase in the infection transfer rate triggered by ignoring social distancing and movement restrictions could have a devastating impact on the spread of Coronavirus. A slight increase in the infection rate could see hundreds of lives lost across the county and I urge visitors to stay away, Powys will still be here when it is safe to visit.

“We have written to holiday home-owners in the county reminding them of their responsibilities and urging them to stay away for now. We know it is tempting to come to Powys but, now is not the time, we don’t want to risk a second infection wave, the consequences for our residents and economy are too horrible to contemplate.

“Powys will still be here when the pandemic is a thing of the past and then we will be delighted to welcome visitors back but until then please stay home.”

The latest government guidance is here