Yorkshire Dales campsite owner 'at a loss' to understand people still trying to make bookings

Askrigg Camping owner Heather Hodgson decided to close the visitor facilities on her working family farm, which include pitches for tents and motorhomes and a camping barn, to prevent irresponsible visitors from making trips to the Dales and potentially spreading coronavirus.

Other Dales tourism businesses, including B&Bs such as Low Mill Guest House in Bainbridge and Cambridge House in Reeth, and the Tan Hill Inn near Keld, have also shut their doors to tourists.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has warned people to stay away after huge crowds descended on popular towns and villages on Mother's Day weekend.

There are fears that an influx of people could enable transmission of the virus in rural areas with larger elderly populations and fewer medical services.

Yet Heather has still been taking calls from people desperate to stay in the countryside this weekend

"I'm trying not to get emotional about this, but I’m still getting phone calls about camping and motorhome pitches for this coming week and weekend. I’m at a loss, I just don’t get it. It's selfish behaviour. Stay at home. It was hideous in the Dales yesterday, especially in Hawes.

"We’re closing for a while - could be a short while, could be a long while, we don’t mind either way. Please stay at home. We will still be here when this is all over, and you’re very welcome to come and pitch up then."

The Yorkshire coast was also busy at the weekend, prompting a couple in their 70s to express fears that they would become infected after businesses including pubs and fish and chip shops in Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay remained open.

A paramedic in North Yorkshire also posted a video on social media warning people to stay at home after witnessing how busy the A64 was with families heading to the moors and coast for a day out.