With another bank holiday weekend here, boat and personal watercraft owners are amongst those being told that Anglesey is still closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Wales remains under lockdown and the Welsh Government is advising against recreational motor boating at this time.

Anglesey Council has already closed all slipways, coastal car parks and toilets under its control.

Popular launching sites such as Traeth Bychan, Trearddur Bay, Bull Bay, Rhosneigr and Porth y Wrach in Menai Bridge are also closed off for public launching (unless you are a licenced fisher) and are being regularly monitored and patrolled by Maritime staff.

The road to Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest car park, which is managed by Natural Resources Wales, also remains closed.

Earlier this week, Interim Head of Service - Regulation and Economic Development, Christian Branch, contacted nearly 900 people who have applied for a PWC registration or requested a seasonal launching permit on Anglesey.

He wrote, “Please remember that travelling to Wales to spend time in the countryside or at the coast is not allowed under Welsh law. Until Welsh Government guidelines regarding recreational boating are relaxed, access to the water from our slipways will be prohibited.”

“We look forward to welcoming you back to Anglesey’s waters once we know the lockdown is to be relaxed in Wales and we will be starting to process all applications in due course. To avoid increasing the burden on the NHS we also advise local people not to take unnecessary risks while exercising. Thanks for your understanding.”

The number of confirmed Coronavirus cases on the Island continue to rise and yesterday (Thursday) stood at 183.

As a result, County Council-run Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Beaumaris Pier and St George’s Pier in Menai Bridge will remain closed for the time being. Popular visitor car parks in Benllech, Trearddur Bay, Porthdafarch and Porth Swtan are also still closed.

Under existing Covid-19 regulations, people should not leave home without a “reasonable excuse”.  Accessing the coast to use recreational craft is not considered a reasonable excuse, and the launching, use and recovery of craft will be subject to enforcement by the police. People are also reminded that it is not regarded as essential travel to drive to attractions or beauty spots to walk or exercise. This should be done within close vicinity to your home. 

Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, said, “There are currently 183 positive Coronavirus cases on Anglesey and this virus remains a real threat to our loved ones and communities. We’ve seen a steady increase of confirmed cases here on Anglesey in recent weeks and we will keep our sites and premises closed for the time being to stop the spread of the virus.”

“I would like to thank Anglesey residents for their support during lockdown and urge anyone thinking of visiting our Island this bank holiday weekend to respect and follow Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance. Please stay at home unless you need to go out for food, health reasons or work – and only then if you can’t work from home.”

She added, “When the time is right, there will – of course - be a warm welcome for visitors back to our beautiful Island.”

The County Council will continue to review and assess the reopening of its sites in line with Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance, together with local circumstances.

North Wales Police Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Harrison said: “Despite our repeated messages including national media coverage, we’ve continued to see people travelling totally unreasonable distances into north Wales which is extremely disappointing.

“Our focus continues to be to reassure, inform and engage with people so they understand why these restrictions are in place. Teams continue to be out and about in our communities and on the road networks, and will be once again this weekend, ensuring the people are complying with the restrictions.”

North Wales Police are also reminding people that it is not legal to drive to second and holiday homes, and neither is driving to the National Park and other beauty spots to walk or exercise.

Ends 22.5.20