Somerset's tourism board has urged people to not travel to Wells and the surrounding area unless they are coming for exercise and from less than an hour away.

Concern has been expressed by some residents in Wells that the number of people visiting is on the increase following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

And the CEO of Visit Somerset, John Turner, has said that, while tourists can come to the area for exercise, they should be using common sense and only travel from a maximum of an hour away.

He said: "Visit Somerset fully understands that existing local residents might wish to take advantage of open spaces within the county for extended daily exercise and wellbeing, following this week's guidance from the Government.

"It is anticipated that people will use common sense over coming weeks, while we all seek to avoid spreading coronavirus in our communities.

"While activities are permitted within reason, the guidance does not extend to overnight stays away from your home and common sense would indicate that a maximum one hour journey is acceptable for undertaking these exercise activities.

"Visit Somerset does not expect, therefore, people to make significant journeys into our county area for what is a limited outdoor activity.

"Staying away from home, whether camping or visiting a second home is illegal and not acceptable.

"Visit Somerset would like to take this opportunity to remind these temporary visitors that hospitality venues will not be open until July at the earliest.

"There are very limited opportunities for takeaways and refreshments, and there are minimal support facilities compared to normal.

"There is no-one to oversee your safety or security in the open countryside as wardens are not working currently and you will have to take your own safety in hand, remembering to use common sense and realise the consequences of your actions might result in you calling out emergency services that's uses are better deployed in other capacities currently."