Cheshire residents asked to “understand and respect” new rules in Wales and not travel over border for leisure

A neighbouring local authority has asked people in England to “understand and respect” new rules in Wales and not travel over border for leisure.

From today ‘stay-local’ rules have been lifted meaning unrestricted travel will be allowed within Wales’ borders but only for people who live in Wales.

As part of the Welsh government’s “careful and phased approach to unlocking the restrictions.”

Self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, will be able to reopen today to people from Wales.

The stay local rule has been replaced with an interim all-Wales travel area, which will remain in place until April 12, subject to the public health situation.

For the next two weeks, only those with a reasonable excuse, such as work, will be able to travel into or out of Wales.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has said it “notes” the decision of the Welsh Government to lift the ‘stay local’ rules, allowing residents in Wales to travel freely within the country.

“These changes apply only to residents living in Wales and we are reminding residents that different rules are in place in England.” The local authority has said.

“Non-essential travel across the border with Wales is not allowed for residents in Cheshire West and Chester and people should only be crossing between the countries for essential reasons such as for work, education, health and essential shopping.” It adds.

Wales first minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday: “The rules in England won’t allow people in England to travel until the 12th of April. So between now and then, it’s for people who live in Wales.”

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Our residents have shown resilience over the last year and have stayed at home where possible and tried their best to follow the rules.”

“We have seen a reduction in our rates thanks to their efforts and all those playing their part to vaccinate our population.”

“Residents in Wales are being given more freedom from 27 March and we are conscious that these rules do not apply in England just yet.”

“We have seen an increase in our rates already over the last week and it’s vital our residents stay local and protect each other from spreading COVID further, especially if we are going to be able to stick to the national road map plans.”

“Travel across the border should only be for essential reasons.”

“We believe businesses in Wales will only be taking bookings from people in Wales.”

“We should not be traveling further into Wales for leisure.”

“We encourage our residents to understand and respect the new rules in Wales, and to stay within our borough.”

“We hope that, from 12 April, everyone will be able to travel more freely.”

Changes which come into affect today (Saturday, March 27) in Wales include:

• Self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, will be able to reopen to people (from Wales) from the same household or support bubble.
• Stay local rule will be replaced by an interim all-Wales travel area, which will remain in place until April 12
• Six people from two different households, excluding children under 11, will be able to meet and exercise outdoors and in private gardens;
• Organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under 18s will be able to resume;
• There will be a limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens;
• Libraries and archives will be able to re-open.

[Photo: David Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.]