Police leave notices at Harrogate beauty spot in bid to keep people at home as weekend promises good weather

Police issue stark warning to 'deeply irresponsibly' people who ignore lockdown rules to socialise at The Stray in Harrogate

Although residents are still allowed out once a day for exercise during the lockdown, police are urging people to stay local and not travel to their exercise location.

It comes as temperatures are expected to soar this weekend - and the last bout of good weather saw people flocking to beauty spots across the region, despite the social-distancing regulations.

The sign at the Greenway entrance reads: "Please refrain from visiting this location.

"The Government has been very clear on the guidelines on social-distancing.

"Unnecessary travel should be entirely avoided. Anyone can spread coronavirus.

"Do not:

- Travel to local beauty spots to exercise - do it from home alone or with a member of your household

- Go out 'just for a drive'

- Meet up with others, including family and friends.

"Thank you for your understanding at this difficult time."

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The action follows a stark warning earlier this week from North Yorkshire Police (NYP) to those who snub social-distancing rules after people were spotted playing sports and socialising on the Stray - which police dubbed 'deeply irresponsible'.

Officers said they have been patrolling Harrogate looking to break up lockdown louts with threats of arrest or fines of up to £60 for those who breach the lockdown guidelines.

The force has also stepped up patrols across all of Harrogate's popular beauty spots - and officers are randomly stopping motorists to check that their journey is essential.

Officers from Harrogate's Neighbourhood Policing Team last week said they had to explain to a "large number" of people at reservoirs and other beauty spots that their actions were putting lives at risk.

Anyone caught abusing the rules will be asked to go home - and those who refuse could be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

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Second-time offenders will then be issued a fixed penalty notice of £120, doubling on each further repeat offence. Those who do not pay the penalty can be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

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