SOME of the most popular locations in the Brecon Beacons have been closed to prevent large numbers of people visiting during the UK’s lockdown.

The park authority said: "Following the Prime Minister’s decision on March 23rd, to introduce tighter movement restrictions across the UK, and following the irresponsible behaviour of some people last weekend, the national park authority, working in cooperation with the local authorities and other partners, has closed those areas of the national park which are popular with visitors and which pose a risk for the transmission of coronavirus."

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed it is conducting patrols and it and officers from Natural Resources Wales have been given powers to issue £60 on the spot fines for those ignoring restrictions on social gatherings and meeting with those from outside your own household.

When out in public people are reminded they should keep a minimum distance of two metres, about six foot, from other people.

Last weekend fine weather help attract thousands to beauty spots across the country despite government advice not to make unnecessary journeys and to avoid large gatherings.

As a result no rules, which essentially limit people to their homes other than for essential shopping and errands, one form of exercise a day near their homes, or essential work where announced on Monday, March 23.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, which said last weekend was one of the busiest eve in terms of people visiting the Beacons, has introduced the closures following new Welsh Government legislation introduced this week.

Park chief executive Julian Atkins said: "We have not taken this decision lightly but these closures are important if we are to play our part in slowing the spread of the virus and they must be respected.

"The national park will still be here when restrictions are lifted but for now we must put these closures in place. Many elderly people live in our national park and access to hospitals and NHS services can be more difficult for some, please help everyone stay safe."

Powys County Council has said the majority of the county’s 9,250km of public rights of way are open.

Cabinet member for rights of way, Councillor Aled Davies said: "We have decided not to close any of the public paths or access land outside the National Park at the moment, because we think that with respect, good hygiene and care to observe social distancing, there should be no need to do that. Please help us to keep it this way. But, please use your local rights of way, driving to a different location to walk or cycle is not an essential journey, get to know your nearest route, follow national guidance and stay safe.

“We will keep the situation under review over the coming weeks, but with your co-operation, our public paths can safely remain open for use."

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has closed all its car parks, play areas and toilets in its reserves, woods and forests. All mountain bike trails are also closed.

The full list of closures that came into force on March 25:

Storey Arms Layby Car Park

Gwaun Hepste a Chwm Porth Waterfall Country including Clun Gwyn, Gwaun Hepste and Cwm Porth car parks

Hay Bluff

Waun Fach

Talgarth Commons including Rhiw Cwnstab, Twmpa, Y Grib

Grwyne Fawr Reservoir

Offas Dyke National Trail

Llyn y Fan Fach

Mynydd Du (includes Llyn y Fan Fawr, Llyn y Fan Fach and the Carmarthen fans)

Craig Cerrig Gleisiad National Nature Reserve including Fan Frynych

Picnic Site adjacent to Craig Cerrig Gleisiad on A470

Mynydd Illtyd (including Twyn y Gaer)

The National Park Visitor Centre, LIbanus

The Blorenge (Urban Common), includes Keepers Pond and Foxhunter’s car parks

Pwll du

The entrance to Woodland Trust Punch Bowl

Blaen y Glyn and the Talybont Valley (Natural Resources Wales)

The Sugar Loaf car parks (BBNPA car parks)

Llanthony Valley including Capel y Ffin car park

The Skirrid (National Trust)

Allt yr Esgair

Table Mountain, Crickhowell

Llangors Lake

Craig y Nos Country Park

Garn Goch

Carreg Cennen woodland and circular walk

Llangasty Bird Hide and route from Llangors to Llangasty church

The Beacons Way

Hatterrall Hill

Blaen Onneu car park on Mynydd Llangynidr (Urban Common)

Llangattock escarpment Car Park (Urban Common)

Beaufort road across Mynyddoedd Llangattock and Llangynidr – roadside car park (Urban Commons)

Usk Reservoir – private land