‘Extreme concern’ about Covid-19 spread in Wales as ‘unprecedented’ number of tourists flock to seaside towns

Politicians have written to Wales’ First Minister saying that they are “extremely concerned” about tourists’ ability to maintain social distances in Wales’ seaside towns during August.

They said that “the numbers flocking here are more than can be dealt with, which leads to a situation beyond of the ability of the authorities to maintain order”.

They cite the example of Barmouth in Gwynedd where there was illegal parking across the town and tourists unable to socially distance because of the crowds.

#Barmouth chaos 2.5 hours and counting….. pic.twitter.com/ICZzU4jieg

— Liz Hull (@lizhull) July 31, 2020

The letter has been signed by the leader and deputy leader of Gwynedd Council as well as two Plaid Cymru Members of the Senedd and two MPs.

They ask the First Minister to consider what measures can be put in place to guard against the spread of Covid-19.

‘Spread’

“Last weekend unprecedented numbers came to visit our seaside towns and beaches,” the letter says.

While they said that they “sympathised” with those on holiday “what is most worrying is that so many people were walking in the town that the social distancing rule could not be observed”.

“In addition, as can be imagined, private and public toiler provision was wholly inadequate to meet the need,” the letter says.

“Events such as festivals, the Royal Welsh Show and Eisteddfods are prohibited, so how in this case can we allow multiple crowds to assemble without restrictions at all?

“Allowing large numbers to spread without respect for social distancing can lead to the spread of Coronavirus.”

The letter was signed by Hywel Williams MP, Sian Gwenllian MS, Liz Saville Roberts MP, Helen Mary Jones MS, Leader of Gwynedd Council, Cllr Dyfrig ap Siencyn, and his deputy Cllr Dafydd Meurig.