CUMBRIA’S Local Resilience Forum is reminding people that lockdown restrictions remain in place until July 4 - and enforcement action will continue to be taken against those breaking the rules while conducting multi-agency patrols.

A number of issues have been highlighted as a concern for the Lake District, including: illegal overnight stays, littering, inconsiderate parking and anti-social behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Slattery, chair of Cumbria’s Local Resilience Forum, said: “Over recent weeks we’ve welcomed increasing numbers of people to the Lake District and overwhelmingly they are following the rules, enjoying our wonderful county safely and respecting local communities. The county is of course looking forward to the wider lifting of lockdown restrictions which is so vital to our economy and our communities.

“But a small minority of people are engaging in anti-social and illegal behaviour that we will not tolerate. Until July 4 you cannot stay overnight, and of course extreme littering, inconsiderate and dangerous parking and serious anti-social behaviour will always be unacceptable.

“We are urging people to follow the rules as they are now and avoid having enforcement action taken against them.”

Richard Leafe, chief executive of the Lake District National Park Authority said: “We welcome every visitor to their national park, especially those here for the first time. I’m saddened by the behaviour of some during the past few weeks. Leaving litter, cutting down trees and blocking gates affects real people, including volunteers, who selflessly give their time to help look after this special place.

NFU North West regional director David Hall, said: “It’s entirely understandable that visitors are keen to visit beauty spots such as the Lake District in order to reap the benefits of getting out and enjoying the countryside which our farmers look after and maintain.

“However, the health of those living and working in the countryside also has to be safeguarded to ensure that safe, local, high-standard British food keeps coming, and visitors need to be aware of their role in protecting rural people and their livelihoods.”

To plan ahead for your trip to the Lake District, visit: saferlakes.co.uk