Easter bank holiday plea: 'Don't go further than your doorstep'

This is the desperate plea from officials across the district urging people to stay home and follow coronavirus lockdown rules this Easter holiday.

Since the lockdown was announced two weeks ago a number of people have been caught flouting the rules in Bradford district and beyond.

One West Yorkshire family was left humiliated by a Hull councillor after they drove more than 70 miles for a swim in the sea.

Residents in Great Horton also reported that the number of teenagers still gathering outside the homes of vulnerable people and elderly residents is becoming "scary".

A gang of youths was snapped blasting music around the streets and ignoring social distancing rules just days before another group was seen in East Bowling and later Great Horton.

Councillor Tariq Hussain (Labour, Great Horton) slammed these actions, warning they are "dangerous for everybody", not just the vulnerable and elderly.

And now - as temperatures are forecast to reach 20 degrees and Easter celebrations are fast approaching - some fear guidelines will continue to be ignored.

Skipton MP Julian Smith (Conservative) sent out a strong message to those tempted to ignore Government advice and make unnecessary journeys during this weekend's Easter Bank Holiday.

With many of his constituents living near public footpaths, he has seen a rise in reports of walkers from across Yorkshire going further afield for their daily exercise.

The politician explained: "I've spoken to people on the frontline, nurses and doctors, who are worried about parts of North Yorkshire where people are not being responsible. People need to follow the advice and stay at home.

"The clear message from the Government to slow the spread of the coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives - if you leave the house for your daily exercise you should only go for walks from your own doorstep."

Meanwhile David Butterworth, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said people should not make unnecessary trips to the Dales, whether they were local or not, and added park rangers and police would be making sure people followed Government advice this weekend.

The ranger service will be out this weekend supporting North Yorkshire and Cumbria Police.

Mr Butterworth said: “Don’t be the person that thinks ‘I’ll pop to the Dales because it’ll be quiet’. Don’t be the person that thinks ‘It’s Easter, we can stay at the holiday house’. And don’t be the person that thinks it’ll be fine to come cycling with friends.

"We heard all these excuses last weekend and it’s simply unacceptable."

To offset the changes Bradford Council is encouraging people to think of creative ways celebrate a ‘Stay at Home Easter’ and ‘Visit Bradford Later'. Visit Bradford has ideas for all ages including art and crafting ideas, an Easter bonnet competition, a virtual Bradford film trail, free theatre in your living room and Easter themed activities from Bradford Cathedral.

Bradford Council’s Museums and Galleries Service would like people inspired by David Hockney’s recent image of daffodils, entitled 'Do Remember They Can’t Cancel the Spring' to create their own art using a free art online app.

The artwork created can be shared on the Bradford Museums and Galleries Facebook page @BradfordMuseums who will use it to create a virtual gallery.

Bradford Cathedral has put together a series on Easter-themed crafts and worksheets for children as well as spiritual resources for adults to help people to discover the Easter Story.

The National Science and Media Museum has games and activities that the whole family can try at home. Cecil Green Arts is calling for people to share their Easter Bonnet creations with #BradfordConnects on social media. The National Theatre will also stream Charlotte Brontë’s Jayne Eyre for free until April 16.