Concerns that last night’s lifting of lockdown restrictions gives the green light for English visitors to flood into Montgomeryshire have been voiced by prominent figures this morning.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his update live on TV with a tweak of the messaging and easing of travel and work restrictions, but there are fears that many will take a mile after being given an inch.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has called for Mr Johnson to issue urgent clarification that the English lockdown changes do not apply in Wales, describing the Prime Minister’s address as “confusing and ambiguous”, while one Powys councillor branded it the “worst of all statements by Boris”.
Leaders in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were quick to state last night that the ‘Stay home’ message is still in place but with local garden centres opening this week and another Bank Holiday approaching, residents are understandably worried.
FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “There appeared to be no attempt to make it clear that the changes being announced only applied in England. Worse than that, the impression was given that the changes applied throughout the UK when this is simply not the case.”
Mr Roberts said he was particularly concerned that the Prime Minister’s comment that ‘you can drive to other destinations’ would lead people to wrongly assume they could visit mid Wales.
“In March the Welsh Government had to bring in emergency legislation to close footpaths and other public spaces as thousands flocked to Welsh beauty spots, causing a huge risk to themselves and others,” said Mr Roberts.
“While people are generally now exercising locally within the restrictions laid down by the Welsh Government, every day our offices are dealing with members who are in the vulnerable category and are concerned that the large numbers of people coming through their farmyards and fields are placing them at risk.”
Mr Roberts said that members were also extremely concerned at the number of individuals arriving in rural areas and illegally using second homes.
This has been a major concern of Powys Plaid Cymru Councillor, Elwyn Vaughan, who said the floodgates could open unless further clarification is given.
“The statement by Boris Johnson that people in England can drive to other places to exercise will now be used by many to try and justify coming to Wales, to our communities, to their holiday homes; the very thing organisations such as Snowdonia National Park have asked not to happen.
“This is the worst of all and will lead to huge challenges for our communities.
“It will be imperative that the Police in Wales have clear presence on the border and roads leading into Wales and have the power to substantially increase fines. The fine of £60 for travelling is pathetic and should be a £1,000.
“Rural Wales has not peeked yet and it’s imperative that our residents and communities are respected and that people stay home.”