Fed-up Lake District locals put up fake signs and roadblocks to keep tourists away

Residents near a popular Cumbrian beauty spot have set up makeshift barriers and road signs in a bid to ward off tourists they fear are flouting social distancing laws.

Visitors have flocked to the Lake District after weeks of lockdown measures were partially eased last week – but some concerned local villagers have responded by erecting plastic fences and industrial waste bins across roads.

DIY signs have cropped up in the area from disgruntled residents in an attempt to keep day-trippers from walking past their houses.

Notices reading “please stay away” and “no entry” have become a common sight around the village of Seathwaite. The tiny hamlet sits at the base of popular hiking spot Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, and normally welcomes thousands of visitors in the summer.

One sign claims the whole town of Keswick is closed, urging drivers to “please come back when we’re open”.

Cumbria has one of the worst Covid-19 infection rates in England, despite being one of its most sparsely-populated counties.

Pete Edmondson, who is missing part of his lung and suffered pneumonia as a child, is classed as ‘high risk’ and runs a farm in Seathwaite.

The 65-year-old’s family have run the business for 104 years in the village. “As soon as the coronavirus started we put up signs and barriers to stop people coming through the farmyard,” he said.

“But people have no respect, they've been taking no notice whatsoever. It's really upsetting.”

Mr Edmondson says walkers often come through his yard, touching gates and styles without washing their hands.

He added: “I find it very threatening, it keeps going through my mind that if I got Covid-19 it would kill me.”

Image: MailOnline

Another local explained that visitors from the Midlands had knocked on their door while lost in the middle of the night last week.

Lake District tourist offices are concerned about the relaxation of rules, with Chief Executive Richard Leaf saying: “Please don't travel for the moment to the Lake District because of the impact that you will have on the local communities here.

“Cumbria already has a fairly high incidence of Covid, so there is real concern on the ground about large amounts of people coming back.”

A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said: “Police officers will use their discretion and judgement in all situations and will engage with people, encouraging them to return home if appropriate.

“Officers will respond appropriately and will investigate concerns made by communities.”

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Answering drivers’ questions
• How to clean your car interior to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Lockdown car care: How to look after your car during the coronavirus crisis

You can keep ahead of all the car-related coronavirus information here. Our technical team and patrols have also put together their top tips for looking after your car during lockdown.