Farmer terrified of catching coronavirus slams council for removing homemade roadblock to keep daytrippers away – The Sun

A FARMER who erected his own roadblock to keep daytrippers away from Lake District beauty spots has hit out after council workmen removed it.

Peter Edmondson, 65, was terrified of catching coronavirus as increasing numbers of walkers headed through his farmyard as the lockdown was eased.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates


The Sun told yesterday how he placed plastic barriers across the road leading to his farm to deter people from climbing England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike.

But he reacted with fury after council staff removed it.

Peter, 65, said: “That’s it, we are 99% going to get coronavirus now.

“We have up to 2000 people a day coming through our farmyard to climb the fells and they are touching gates and fences.

“I’m vulnerable because I’ve had a lung operation and pneumonia. This could kill me.

“If it’s a decent day on a Saturday you can get 300 cars plus parked up our lane.

I’m vulnerable because I’ve had a lung operation and pneumonia. This could kill me.

“It’s busier than Blackpool promenade.

“You can’t move for people in my yard.

“We are breaking the law with the roadblock, I understand that.

“But under the circumstances we shouldn’t be hammered by the influx of the public from all directions of the country.

“They could be carriers of the virus who haven’t bothered disinfecting their hands or anything.

“They looked after the PM when he had coronavirus so they should look after the ordinary folk as well.”





Peter, 65, lives in the tiny hamlet of Seathwaite at the head of the Borrowdale valley with wife Susan, 57, eight miles from Keswick.

He and his family have erected a series of signs and roadblocks to keep the crowds away after Boris Johnson allowed people to travel any distance to take exercise.

Cumbria is already one of the worst hit areas in the country with some of the highest Covid-19 infection rates.

The police and the council said they sympathised with Peter but said he wasn’t allowed to build his own roadblocks.

Superintendent Andrew Wilkinson, of Cumbria Police said: “We understand people’s concerns and anxieties are raised during the public health emergency.

“But no rights of way should be obstructed or closed otherwise than in accordance with the law.”


A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: “We understand that our communities have concerns about visitors returning to the Lake District and we have worked with other local partners to ask people to postpone their visits.

“However, there is no legal restriction on people visiting the Lake District and we have no option other than to take action to remove any blockages that prevent access to the highway.

“We continue to urge people to respect our local communities and keep their Lake District plans on hold for now.”

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW

Don't miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.

To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.

Source: Read Full Article