Natural Resources Wales and Anglesey County Council will close some parks and nature reserves to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

From this afternoon, the road to Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest car park will close to all new visitors and the car park will be cleared gradually.

From tomorrow, Newborough NNR car park, as well as County Council-run Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Beaumaris Pier & St George’s Pier in Menai Bridge will be closed to all visitors. Popular visitor car parks in Benllech, Trearddur Bay, Porthdafarch and Porth Swtan will also close.

Anglesey's Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones, said: "These are tough measures but it's essential we take them. We must act and stop visitors coming to the Island with immediate effect. I am also urging local Tourism and Hospitality Providers to close their premises to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and help protect public health."

"The increase in visitors will put an immense extra strain on essential public services, including the local Hospitals and our wider NHS."

Sian Williams, NRW’s Head of Operations in North West Wales, added, “Whilst we know people will want to spend time outdoors over the coming weeks, we are asking people to follow the Public Health Wales guidance on social distancing.

“Our advice is to take care of yourself and when possible, relax and keep active by continuing to explore and enjoy local spaces close to home

“People were not following this guidance at Newborough and so we had to take drastic measure of closing to protect the local community.”

Anglesey will be pleased to welcome visitors back to this beautiful part of the country once the situation has improved.

Updates about Council services during the Coronavirus outbreak can be found on our website www.anglesey.gov.uk/coronavirus

Ends 22.3.20