[PICTURE: SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY/BBC]

Joint statement from Darren Millar AM/AC (Member for Clwyd West), Janet Finch-Saunders AM/AC (Member for Aberconwy), Cllr. Sam Rowlands (Leader of Conwy County Borough Council) on the influx of visitors into North Wales this weekend.

"This weekend, we have been inundated by constituent enquiries regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is crucial that everyone plays their part in preventing the spread of the virus by following the advice of both the UK and Welsh Governments by staying at home and avoiding unnecessary travel, but we are very concerned that some people are ignoring this advice.

"In recent days there has been an influx of tourists into North Wales. Such an increase in the local population is placing a huge burden on local NHS services and supply chains, and putting tourists and local residents at risk.

"While we are huge supporters of the tourism and hospitality industry, our number one priority at present is to stop the spread of this virus, to protect our NHS and keep people safe. That's why we are jointly calling today for people to follow the advice of the experts by postponing their holidays to North Wales for the foreseeable future.

"We look to the Welsh and UK Governments to issue clear guidance to tourism businesses and attractions by asking them to close their doors for the time being.

"We look forward to welcoming people back to our area in the future and, in the meantime, will continued to support tourism and hospitality businesses in our area as they face up to the challenges ahead.

ENDS