Cumbria’s multi-agency Local Resilience Forum has had to remind the public that overnight stays are not permitted, after a rise in incidents.

The agency has warned that anyone found breaking the rule will be asked to move on, and potentially fined.

The rules apply to all forms of overnight stays by visitors – including camping, motorhomes, caravans, boats and second homes.

At Monday’s daily coronavirus conference Prime Minister Boris Johnston clarified guidance on travelling to take exercise, after a question from an Ambleside resident on the issue of trips to the Lake District.

“There cannot be any question of people just going off for holidays in places like the Lake District,” he said.

The Local Resilience Forum has reiterated their previous three point key message for visitors to the Lake District to ‘respect our local communities, ‘respect the risk’ and ‘respect the rules’.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Slattery, chair of the Local Resilience Forum, said: “While lockdown restrictions have eased, it is absolutely clear in the guidance that while people may visit the area they are not permitted to stay overnight in any way.

“The police will take action on reports of these rules being flouted.

“We understand it is frustrating and people want to enjoy our beautiful county, but the rules are there to keep our communities safe and we cannot stand by if people choose to ignore them.

“We would urge people to stay local for the time being.”

Meanwhile, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron urged the public once again to not visit the area.

Speaking in Parliament during a debate on the Agriculture Bill, Mr Farron said: “For us in South Cumbria, the landscape of the Lakes and the Dales is a breath-taking public good.

“Although, given that we have one of the oldest and most vulnerable populations in the country and the third highest COVID infection rate, I strongly urge people not to rush to visit us here until it is safe to do so, at which point we will ​welcome them with open arms.”