Burnsall Park, a beloved beauty spot on the banks of the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales, has permanently closed after more than 70 years of operation. The owners, the Daggett family, cited a "changing business environment" and growing challenges, including anti-social behaviour, littering, illegal parking, and barbecue use, as reasons for the closure. The park, which charged £12 for vehicles to enter, had been a popular destination for families and tourists since 1952.
Tragic Drowning and Safety Concerns
The closure follows the tragic drowning of 13-year-old Palwasha Akbar from Bradford in the river near the field last month. In recent years, there have been several water rescues and fatalities at the spot. In summer 2024, father-of-one Azaz Mohmed Chanda, 33, drowned while playing on an inflatable dinghy with relatives during a family fun day attended by about 1,000 people. Just weeks after Palwasha's death, three teenagers saved a father and son who got into difficulty in the water.
In a statement, the Daggett family said: "After over seven decades of service as a cherished local and tourist spot, Burnsall Park will be permanently closing. This decision comes with heavy hearts and deep appreciation for the memories shared. While we've loved being part of so many summer memories over the years, recent changes in the business environment and growing challenges have led us to this point."
Local Reactions and Impact
The closure has been welcomed by some local residents. Kendra Perbetsky, a Burnsall resident, said: "Once they close the field at 7pm and visitors come here on to the village green it can get pretty loud at night. With them closing it down we might not have so many issues with the cars and congestion, and people just being silly." However, the loss of the car park leaves Burnsall with only a small, 50-bay surfaced car park, which has led to issues with illegal and inconsiderate on-street parking, causing traffic gridlock on hot days.
The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, has called on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to focus more on highlighting dangerous areas and managing crowds. In response, a spokesperson for the Authority said they have been working with North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Council on visitor management concerns, and that discussions are continuing. The implications of the closure will be considered as part of that ongoing work.
Security Measures and Future
The Daggett family stated: "Moving forward, the field and the facilities will be closed. We kindly ask everyone to respect this decision and refrain from entering the grounds, keeping to the Dales Way footpath only. We also ask you to please respect local residents and the surrounding countryside. Security measures will be in place to prevent trespassing. We are immensely grateful for all your support over the years, and we appreciate your understanding."
