County’s caravan parks and campsites urged to follow government’s orders

Denbighshire County Council is calling on the owners of all caravan parks and campsites in the county to follow the directive of Wales’ First Minister and close with immediate effect, to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

First Minister Mark Drakeford made the order on Monday evening after significant concerns were raised across the country over the weekend about the number of visitors and holidaymakers that had made their way to caravan parks, campsites and other accommodation, placing extreme added pressure on vital services.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “As you are aware, we are living in unprecedented times due to Coronavirus Covid-19. Clear guidelines have been issued by the Welsh and UK Governments that people should adhere to social-distancing, self-isolation and only undertake essential journeys.

“I fully appreciate the contribution of the tourism sector to Denbighshire, the economic contribution of over £500m in 2018 locally and the fact that you employ over 6,000 people, but we are in the midst of an world-wide emergency.

“Despite the advice from our Governments; the numbers of visitors to Denbighshire over the last few days has been extremely worrying and disappointing. I therefore urge you to close your park / campsite / accommodation immediately so that we can stop the spread of the virus, and limit the impact of visitors on our health and care services locally which are already under considerable pressure.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said:  “As was announced on Friday, 20 March 2020, arrangements to support the hospitality industry are in the process of being developed by our Governments and the Council is also prioritising the work of providing advice and support to businesses.

“In line with our Governments’ guidelines, I urge you to close immediately for the sake of all the people of Denbighshire and our health and care services - so that we can focus on the exceptional situation that we are facing and reduce the risk for all of us. By encouraging your customers to stay at their main home address, you will be helping to protect them, the people of Denbighshire as well as our vital health and care services.

“If you have already acted upon the national guidance to close your park / campsite / accommodation, we are extremely grateful to you for taking this responsible action.

“My sincerest thoughts are with you at this difficult and challenging time, and Denbighshire County Council will do its very best to support people."

The Welsh Government made the announcement that people camping or staying in caravans on holiday will be asked to begin returning to their homes from today as camps and holiday parks close, unless there are exceptional reasons for them remaining.

Denbighshire County Council will not ask residents to leave caravan parks if they live on site and have no alternative address. 

The Welsh Government expects all other people such as visitors, those on holiday and people with another home address to leave.