NFU Cymru has welcomed Denbighshire County Council’s decision to temporarily restrict access to a footpath close to the family home of vulnerable NFU Cymru members.

As a result of the union’s work on behalf of the Joneses, Denbighshire County Council has agreed to temporarily restrict access to two footpaths in the vicinity of Merllyn Farm.

Following the agreement, Dyfan Eilir Jones said: “I’m so grateful to NFU Cymru, in particular Joe Mault and Kevin Owen, for their support. When I needed help it was there immediately.

“NFU Cymru handled everything for me, which meant that I didn’t have lots of phone calls and extra stress during lambing. They just kept me informed with updates of what was happening. This is the best outcome we could have hoped for.”

NFU Cymru Clwyd County Adviser Joe Mault said: “After Mr and Mrs Jones contacted NFU Cymru to raise their concerns, the union has liaised with Denbighshire County Council to find a mutual agreement that protects a family member at the farm who would be vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus.

“I met with representatives from Denbighshire County Council on Tuesday and I’m pleased that, in light of this unprecedented and difficult situation for the Jones family, that an agreement was reached and two footpaths in the vicinity of Merllyn Farm will now be closed until further notice.

“While I appreciate that these are popular footpaths, the health and wellbeing of our members and their young family is of the utmost importance and I would like to thank all walkers, in advance, for avoiding this area.”