The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park has warned that ‘unacceptable behaviour’ towards volunteer staff will not be tolerated.

It comes after Central Beacons Mountain Rescue team and emergency services responded to two serious incidents on Pen y Fan on the 10th January.

A team were also managing icy conditions at the sites car park, while keeping emergency access routes clear.

Many people travelled to the area to experience the snow fall.

A volunteer from Central Beacons Mountain Rescue team experienced abuse while carrying out safety-critical work to ensure emergency routes remained open.

In a statement, Visit Brecon Beacons said: “Today at Pont ar Daf, emergency services and volunteer teams were responding to two serious incidents on Pen y Fan, while the team at the Car Park were also managing icy winter conditions and keeping emergency access routes clear.

“Many members of the public showed patience, understanding and kindness, and we would like to thank them. From quiet words of appreciation to those who offered help without being asked, these actions make a real difference on demanding days.

“However, we also witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards a Mountain Rescue volunteer who was carrying out safety-critical work to keep emergency routes open. Abuse or intimidation of volunteers, and staff, during active incidents, and in their work, is not acceptable, particularly when emergency responses are underway.

“A reminder to all Emergency access routes and signed gates must be kept clear at all times. Instructions given during incidents are about safety, not convenience. Winter conditions require patience, cooperation and care. Delays to emergency access are not minor — they can directly affect the outcome for someone in urgent need of help.

“Our thanks go to the Mountain Rescue teams, emergency services, site staff and volunteers who worked professionally today, and to the many visitors who showed respect for people, place and situation. We wish those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery. Shared outdoor spaces rely on shared responsibility. Thank you to those who help make that possible.”