Respect rights of way closures in Denbighshire, says county

Denbighshire County Council is urging people to respect the decision to close some rights of way in the county, in light on the on-going Coronavirus situation.

The Welsh Government has introduced emergency regulations that require local authorities to close footpaths and other rights of way where use poses a high risk to the spread of coronavirus.

Any person ignoring the closure of a path or place under these regulations may be asked or forced to leave and may be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice of £60,  with that charge doubling for a repeat offence.

The closures relate to public paths in or around Llandyrnog, Llangynhafal, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Llanferres, Llanarmon yn Ial and Llantysilio communities. A full list is available on the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk

This will remain under review and may change if areas are identified where groups of people are congregating and actively ignoring measures set out by the Government.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The Council is doing all that it can to minimise the spread of Coronavirus in our communities and we have decided to implement these closures of public footpaths and bridleways, in the interest of public health and safety.

“Most people are acting responsibly by staying away from those areas that are closed or where there are restrictions in place.  We ask people to follow these new closures, for everyone’s health and well-being”.

“We understand that people will want to have their daily exercise, but we would urge them to stay local to areas where they are allowed to walk. They should also adhere to the social distancing guidelines and stay at least two metres away from other individuals and not walk in groups”.

“All dog owners, whilst enjoying exercise, are encouraged to keep dogs on leads whilst safely distancing from other users and especially when passing through stock during lambing season.  Some farmers may not be able to respond to their stock’s welfare if they are having to self isolate or are required to isolate due to their age”.

Denbighshire Chief Inspector Alwyn Williams said: “Visibility with the public and pro-active engagement in terms of vehicles and pedestrians is key to ensure compliance with government lockdown instructions. We are working with partner agencies to maintain the best service to the public and we hope people will continue to adhere to the messages and stay away.”

“We want to thank all those who are listening to the advice and we urge anyone who may be considering visiting those areas that are closed or where there are restrictions in place to think again, walking along these footpaths is not essential.”

“We’re in this together and each and every one of us has a role to play by following government advice. Play your part and #ProtectOurNHS, #StayHomeSaveLives.”