Family from Merseyside told to go home by police after travelling to Llanfairfechan

A family from Merseyside has been told to return home after travelling to visit North Wales.

Police officers were out patrolling today to ensure people are sticking to government advice not to go anywhere unless absolutely necessary during the coronavirus outbreak.

They said they came across the family of five in Llanfairfechan and instructed them to go back.

It comes a day after the chief constable of North Wales Police announced that any caravans and motor homes entering the region could be turned round.

Members of the West Conwy Coast policing team tweeted:“We are out patrolling and it’s pleasing to see that most are sticking to the government advice, but we did speak to a family of 5 who’d travelled from Merseyside to Llanfairfechan, to advise them this was not essential travel and they should go home #essentialtravelonly #stayhome”

We are out patrolling and it's pleasing to see that most are sticking to the Government advice, but we did speak to a family of 5 who’d travelled from Merseyside to Llanfairfechan, to advise them this was not essential travel and they should go home #essentialtravelonly #stayhome pic.twitter.com/fJXxCd5fsD

— NWP West Conwy Coastal (@NWPWestConCoast) March 25, 2020

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said yesterday that people can expect to see more visible policing in communities after strict new measures were introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19.

There has been anger across the region after tourists flocked in their droves over the weekend with beauty spots like Snowdonia and Bala Lake proving particularly popular.

It was also revealed today that Snowdon and other frequently visited mountains would be closed to the public.

The chief constable said the police force was working with caravan site owners and urged those considering visiting the area not do so.

He said: “If we come across people choosing to break these rules which are there to keep us safe we will take action.

“At the weekend, similar to other parts of the UK, we saw a large influx of visitors in North Wales.

“We are working with campsites and if necessary will stop caravans or motorhomes coming into this region to turn them round. This is for our personal safety.

“I would personally urge anyone who’s considering visiting North Wales to think again. Please don’t travel unless absolutely necessary to do so.

“This is to stop the spread of the virus, limit the impact of our already stretched health services and ultimately to save lives.”