FREEDOM Day in England has caused further friction for a North Wales tourism group welcoming holiday guests to the region this summer.

Lyons St Mary’s Touring Park, in Flintshire’s Gronant, is booming with guests from all over the UK as the school term drew to a close last week.

While dozens are making the most of the park’s vast fields, beach access and blue-sky views of the River Dee, some guests’ understanding about the current restrictions in Wales are murkier.

On Monday, July 19, PM Boris Johnson scrapped all COVID-19 measures in England which included the legal requirement for wearing face masks indoors, social distancing guidelines as well as the rule of six when socialising.

Meanwhile across the Welsh border, restrictions have yet to ease due to First Minister Mark Drakeford’s more cautious approach.

The Leader has previously reported how the next easing of restrictions will be reviewed by the nation’s Labour leader and fellow cabinet ministers ahead of August 7.

However, this will not be a blanket easing like in England – with Wales set to enter its newly introduced Alert Level Zero should conditions allow.

Joseph Lyons Mound, company director of the touring and camping park located on the busy A55 coast road, said that reminding people to wear face coverings is becoming repetitive, especially when guests have no knowledge of the current legislation.

He said: “We would like to remind all tourists travelling from England that face coverings and social distancing are still a legal requirement in Wales – without adhering to the rules, we can’t allow entry

“We don’t want to turn guests away when they have travelled all the way to another country for a holiday.

“We understand that people want to get away and relax, and we want that too, as there’s a great atmosphere on this family-friendly park.

“But Freedom Day in England has created such chaos in Wales, and we’re just doing everything we can to remind people that when in Wales, they must respect the Welsh Government guidelines.”

Lyons Holiday Parks PR Executive, Beth Hughes, conveyed that while the lingering restrictions may confuse or agitate some holidaymakers, the guidelines are in place as a precautionary measure to reduce risk.

She said: “Everyone in the tourism industry is hoping for the same thing - a long, successful and fruitful summer where everyone from team members, to owners, and guests are as safe as possible.

“We’re reducing the risk to help prevent another lockdown, which is something no one wants at the moment.

“In Wales, it is still a legal requirement to wear face coverings indoors, maintain social distancing rules, and comply with additional measures such as one-way systems and sanitising hands before entering public areas.

“We are of course reminding guests that these are the requirements if they wish to dine in the on-site café, use the arcades, pools, bars and shops at our sister parks which they have access to, but unfortunately, this hasn’t been met with a great reception as many people thought we were past those things.

“The situation is what it is, and at the moment, we’re grateful that so many people can come back to this beautiful area and revive the tourism industry after such a difficult year.

“All we can do is work in tandem with government guidelines, and implement the correct procedures to ensure the North Welsh coast stays alive and kicking.”