HOLIDAY accommodation owners are being reminded that changes to lockdown restrictions do not mean they can reopen yet.

The regulations still require hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, campsites, caravan parks and boarding houses to remain closed.

Hambleton District Council’s Environmental Health team has been working with accommodation providers since the start of lockdown to offer guidance on legislation.

And they say have been impressed and reassured by the responsible approach taken by local businesses.

The council's director of environment, Paul Staines, said: “With these changes there has been some confusion as to whether people can now stay overnight in holiday accommodation – especially in their own caravans and tents.

“So officers contacted all licenced caravan site owners again to confirm that the extension to travel announced last week does not extend to travel to second homes, including holiday caravan parks or campsites.

“We hope that, by being clear about the regulations, we can continue to support the strong efforts being made by everyone to control the spread of Covid-19 in Hambleton.”

Failure to comply with the restrictions, without reasonable excuse, is an offence and may result in prosecution or a fixed penalty fine. The fixed penalty fees have been increased to reflect the importance of complying with the slight relaxation in emergency measures.