High Peak MP: Save that Peak District trip for when it's safe to visit

For the first time since the beginning of the lockdown, the number of people serious ill with coronavirus has fallen below 10,000.

As we get the virus under control, we’re slowly starting to ease the lockdown measures, based on the advice of the country’s top scientific minds.

Unfortunately, a small minority of people appear to be ignoring common sense when it comes to the easing of lockdown measures.

Many High Peak residents have been in touch to raise their concerns with the large number of visitors driving to local beauty spots like the ‘blue lagoon’ near Buxton.

While the bright blue water might make for a good Instagram post, the reality is it is no lagoon but a disused former quarry, full of old cars, dead animals and toxic water that is a serious health risk.

I have been pushing for more action from both the local councils and the police.

I have also given interviews to local radio stations to urge people to use their common sense and think again about driving long distances to visit the Peak District.

We are so lucky to live in a part of the country with immense natural beauty, and tourism is a vital part of the local economy in normal times.

But the task of getting the virus under control comes first and I will happily welcome visitors to the Peak District once the crisis is over.

Major progress has already been made to keep the virus under control this approach.

The new NHS covid-19 app is currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight.

By June 1, there will be 25,000 coronavirus contact tracers ready to trace up to 10,000 new cases a day.

I will be keeping the pressure on the Government to meet its new target of 200,000 tests a day.

Anyone aged five and above with coronavirus symptoms can now get a test because of this increased testing capacity.

Antibody tests are also being rolled out, prioritising NHS and care workers.

We all have our part to play in keeping up social distancing and controlling the virus.

If we work together, we will get through this.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.