MP issues plea for tourists NOT to visit the Lake District this weekend

Speaking ahead of what would normally be a busy weekend for the Lake District, local MP Tim Farron has issued the following plea:

"The scenes that we saw last weekend of a packed out Bowness bay and a heaving Devil's bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale pose a huge health risk and we simply cannot afford to see that repeated again this weekend.

"The message from the police, Cumbria Tourism, the National Park Authority and so many others in our community is clear - please do not travel here this weekend or at any time during this coronavirus crisis.

"By doing so you are putting your own health and the health of the ones you love at severe risk.

"Be assured, when all this is finally over, we will welcome you here with open arms.

"But for this rare moment in time we urge you to stay home and save lives."