PARTS of the Brecon Beacons could reopen to visitors later this month, but tourist hotspots such as Pen Y Fan will remain closed.

People living in Wales are restricted by different lockdown rules to England, with travel of more than five miles to meet friends not advised by the Welsh Government.

The plans to allow family and friends to meet outside were unveiled by First Minister Mark Drakeford on Friday, meaning this week two households in the same local area have been able to meet outdoors.

READ MORE: First Minister Mark Drakeford eases lockdown in Wales

Local means not generally travelling more than five miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading from one area to another, meaning the majority of people in Herefordshire should not be travelling across the border.

With restrictions relaxed slightly, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has taken guidance from Natural Resources Wales into account and has been reviewing its approach to closures.

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The latest advice from the authority is that some areas will reopen from June 8, and they will also start processes required to prepare for the eventual re-opening car parks and toilets owned by the National Park Authority.

This will include legionella testing and installation of safety systems while awaiting the Welsh Government review on June 18.

A spokesperson said: "We have been and continue to work behind the scenes with partners at both national and regional levels to develop a coordinated approach to re-opening.

"It is our guiding principle that we should avoid contributing to an increased public health risk from large numbers of people flocking to beauty spots and their impact on local communities.

"For the more popular sites, particularly Pen y Fan, Waterfalls Country and Llyn y Fan Fach, these areas need to remain closed for the time being, but we are working with partners to plan the major work necessary to prepare for the safe return of people to these locations in line with the Welsh Government traffic light system.

"We are undertaking these processes in order to keep our local communities, staff and visitors safe in the interests of public health as Wales responds to the global pandemic."

Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said: "We would like to thank both residents and visitors for their patience, support and for continuing to respect the restrictions in Wales.

The protected landscape will be well worth the wait when it's finally safe to return – safe for local communities, visitors and staff."