NORTHUMBERLAND'S tourism body is urging people not to visit the county following updated Government guidelines which were enforced on Wednesday allowing an unlimited amount of exercise and ability to travel to outdoor spaces.

Northumberland Tourism warned that the coronavirus pandemic was "far from over" and visitors should stay away to protect local communities.

David Hall, chairman of Northumberland Tourism said: "We have a responsibility to make sure that Northumberland is a safe place to live, work and visit, and until the virus is under control, we ask visitors to stay away to protect our communities.

"We stand poised and ready to promote our world-class destination when the time is right, when our businesses are safe and ready to reopen, and when we can start to welcome people back to our beautiful county and enjoy everything it has to offer."

The Northumberland National Park Authority has also advised people to stay away from the areas within the park.

A spokeswoman said: "This is not the approach we have been advocating and we hoped the ‘stay local’ message would continue for a little longer to allow us time to better prepare and work with our communities and our partners to form a joined up approach.

"Until we are able to safely provide facilities to visitors it is not yet the best time to visit the park.

"We are in the process of reviewing how we can reopen our facilities including car parks and toilets and we are working closely with our partners to align our thinking around this.

"Please consider our local communities and try not to visit towns, villages and hamlets if possible."

Kielder Water and Forest Park's facilities and car parks did not reopen on Wednesday having reviewed the Government's latest guidance.

A statement read: "We’re working hard to get things back open for our visitors where it is possible and safe to do so, but we need a little more time to make sure that all of the car parks and facilities in the area are safe for everyone before opening them."

The National Trust, which operates Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, said it started the process of reopening some of its car parks in England on Wednesday. However, pay-for-entry attractions, such as Wallington Hall and Cherryburn in Stocksfield, remain closed.

The Northumberland County Council-owned Tyne Riverside, at Prudhoe, and Bolam Lake country parks did reopen on Wednesday.

But council leader Peter Jackson said: "The safety of the public is and must be our absolute priority."