Keswick’s two biggest public pay-and-display car parks will be closed to visitors this weekend in a renewed effort to discourage them from coming to the town.
Staff will be on duty at Central car park (334 spaces) in the town centre and Lakeside car park (253 spaces) near the Theatre by the Lake to stop day-trippers and tourists from using them.
Both sites are owned by Allerdale Borough Council which is reinforcing the message for day-trippers and tourists not to visit to help avoid extra pressure being put on the local NHS and policing services. An Allerdale spokesman said: “The message is clear: ‘Please do not visit. Stay at home and protect the NHS’.”
The Workington-based authority announced on Thursday that its car parks across the borough would be free for people who are leading efforts to tackle coronavirus, such as NHS workers and local volunteers. The move will also free up spaces for local residents making essential journeys for food and medicine.
“The car parks remain open for local residents and permit holders who live nearby and use them to park near their homes. Our car parks should not be used by anyone else at this time,” the Allerdale spokesman added.
