The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (6 July) welcomed the ‘cautious reopening’ of local outdoor attractions, as the Welsh Government relaxes their arbitrary 5-mile rule.

Today sees the removal of the Welsh Government's "stay local" guidance, which had prevented people travelling outside their immediate area. This will allow people to freely travel across Wales for the first time since March. The nation’s roster of outdoor attractions can also reopen from today. 

Mrs Finch-Saunders has now called for further guidance to support a wider reopening of businesses, later this month.

Speaking of the situation faced by residents, Janet said:

“I welcome today’s cautious reopening of outdoor attractions across North Wales, that will safeguard jobs and reignite our region’s economy after a period of extreme uncertainty.

“Many of the region’s attractions are taking a sensible, staggered approach to reopening in order to adhere to social distancing rules. I urge residents to support these essential businesses as they proudly declare #IAMOPEN.

"The Welsh Government must now look at providing further guidance to other businesses, such as our cafes and restaurants, to ensure that indoor trading can resume as soon as possible. This should include a reappraisal of the current two metre rule.

“Of course, today is also marked by the removal of the stay local guidance. The rule’s scrapping will see many families reunited for the first time in four months. 

"It is a sad fact that Mark Drakeford’s arbitrary 5-mile rule did untold damage on the mental health and well being of local residents. Knowing the realities of North Wales, where many residents are often isolated by their geography, the Welsh Conservatives have long been petitioning for the rule's removal."

ENDS

Photo: Mason Dahl/UnSplash