THE Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has called for the government to issue stronger advice to deter day trippers and holidaymakers.

The park authority said this weekend was one of the busiest in recent years with crowds flocking to popular locations such as Pen y Fan and Ystradfellte.

But concerns have been raised such larger visitor numbers could potentially spread coronavirus even further and that social distancing guidelines to stay two metres apart from others couldn’t be followed on narrow paths.

The government warned against unnecessary travel a week ago and it repeated those warnings following concerns about people flocking to the countryside and beaches across Britain.

The Welsh Government’s tourism body, Visit Wales, also promoted the message that Wales is currently closed on social media to try and deter unnecessary travel. Natural Resources Wales has said if people continue to ignore advice it will close its car parks and trails. Powys council has also asked tourists to stay away during the current crisis. All Powys council parks and playgrounds are closing from today to reinforce the social distancing message.

But the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said clearer advice should be issued.

In a statement park authority chairman Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe and chief executive Julian Atkins said: "We have seen very large numbers of visitors at all of our popular locations across the National Park and it is clear that some visitors have travelled long distances to get here.

"Like Snowdonia, some areas have been overwhelmed with visitors but just as concerning is that people are not observing the guidance on social distancing.

"We are supporting Snowdonia National Park in calling on the Prime Minister and First Minister of Wales to provide stronger measures on unnecessary travel and social distancing, to ensure that we do not see a repeat of the scenes across Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons this past weekend. "Specific guidance is needed on what ’necessary travel’ actually entails. We also call on all visitors and holiday home owners to heed government advice and avoid all but essential travel, and to stay at home to stay safe.

"The major influx of visitors into the Brecon Beacons has caused significant concern locally, with people worried about increased pressures on their communities at a time when the NHS, rescue services, and food supplies are already under pressure due to the pandemic.

"We appreciate the importance of tourism to our local economy but it is clear that further guidance is needed to slow the spread of the virus and keep our communities and the public safe.

"Brecon Beacons National Park Authority will focus all of its effort, energy and resources in the coming days and weeks on looking after the communities and businesses in and around the National Park. We will be pleased to welcome visitors back to this beautiful part of Wales once the situation has improved.”Cllr James Evans, Powys council's cabinet member for the economy, has warned the county and its public services cannot cope with a population surge.He said: “The first job of a Council is to protect our residents and our businesses and that is why we are asking people not to visit Powys until coronavirus is under control.“The fact of the matter is that neither the NHS in mid Wales, nor the council has the resources to meet the needs of a large increase in our population. “So, I would urge people not to travel to Powys until the pandemic is over – if you do you will be putting both yourself and our residents at risk.“If we do not see a reduction in visitors to the county, we will have to take further steps to limit visitors and possibly close our right of way network. “We will be ready to welcome visitors with open arms as soon as it is safe to do so but for now, stay at home, avoid all but essential travel and practise social distancing.”Plaid Cymru councillor Elwyn Vaughan has said Powys should follow neighbouring Ceredigion council which has told hospitality and tourism providers they must stop visitors coming to the west Wales county with immediate effect.Cllr Vaughan said: "n view of the immense concern by Powys residents, doctors and health practitioners at the number of visitors coming to Wales with the danger of spreading coronavirus from urban settings and the huge added pressure it will create on services in Powys, in particular our NHS.”“Tell caravan sites and the hospitality sector to stop visitors coming to their sites with immediate effect.”