People are being asked to report non-residents who are breaching the Government’s lockdown restrictions by staying overnight in the Lake District.
The message to crack down on campervanners, wild campers and second home owners came ahead of summer solstice tomorrow (Saturday 20th June) which traditionally attracts large numbers of visitors, including many to witness sunrise, at Castlerigg stone circle at Keswick.
The Lake District National Park Authority said: “We are working with Cumbria Police to tackle the growth in fly-camping and the use of mobile homes. None of this is currently permissible and it looks unlikely this will change for the next three weeks.
“We have set up a response team with the police. Anyone who is found to have camped overnight will either be tackled in person or by warning and fixed penalty through the post. If you encounter anyone who is staying overnight, please email [email protected]. This can include people staying in second homes, camper vans and tents.”
Emailed reports from members of the public about overnight stays will be managed by the LDNPA and the police, who have committed increased resources to it.
Cumbria Police issued a reminder that no overnight stays were allowed and said it was working with its partners – the National Trust, Allerdale Borough Council and the LDNPA – to remind the public of the government guidelines ahead of the summer solstice and those who might be considering a visit to the stone circle.
Sergeant Scott Adams said: “We would like to remind people that there is still a risk around coronavirus and if people do attend (Castlerigg) to follow the government guidelines to reduce the risk to themselves and others. Concerns have already been raised by the local community and we would urge the public to respect local communities. Over the last few weeks we have had issues around illegal parking that has caused roads to be blocked and restricted access to emergency vehicles, putting lives at danger.”
Tom Burditt is the National Trust’s North Lakes general manager. He said: “The National Trust is proud to look after this wonderful site that acts as a focus for this annual spiritual and social celebration of joy and life at the famous stone circle. But in this extraordinary year, you really don’t need to travel here to take part.
“We’re encouraging people all over the country to make the most of the longest day by noticing and enjoying the moment close to where they live by experiencing a dawn or sunset in their garden or local green space. During the easing of the Government’s lockdown restrictions we join with our partners across the Lake District to ask people to use good sense and be respectful of other communities if they do come and to not stay overnight.”
Cllr John Cook, Allerdale Borough Council’s executive member with responsibility for tourism, said: “We’re very much supportive of the message from Cumbria Police and partners. I fully understand why people may be tempted to come and camp at Castlerigg Stone Circle or somewhere else to experience the solstice and stay overnight. However, despite recent easing of the lockdown, government advice is very clear that overnight stays are still prohibited. So please stay at home.
“Overnight stays away from home are still prohibited under government guidance, meaning any visitors to areas such as the Lake District should go home at the end of their day trip. This also applies to people staying overnight in vehicles such as camper vans and motorhomes.”
