Gwynedd is overwhelmed with tourists who threaten to spread coronavirus and delay emergency services, politicians have warned.

A letter has been sent to First Minister Mark Drakeford from Helen Mary Jones MS and signed by Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts, Siân Gwenllian MS, Hywel Williams MP, and council leaders Dyfrig Siencyn and Dafydd Meurig.

"Unfortunately, the numbers flocking here are more than can be dealt with, which leads to a situation beyond the ability of the authorities to maintain order,” the letter states.

Speaking to the Cambrian News, Mrs Saville Roberts (pictured) said the unprecedented rise in visitor numbers threatened to cause further problems for the emergency services.

Linking the issue of blocked roads in Barmouth and the death of Jonathan Stevens, who tried to rescue two of his children in the water there, she said: “There has been gridlock in some of our towns, including Barmouth.

“If there was a fire, what would we do?

“Thankfully we have helicopters who can rescue people and are not affected by the roads, but something needs to be done.”

The politicians told the First Minister they “understand and sympathise with the visitors here” but the number of visitors means the “social distancing rule could not be observed”.

They also ask the First Minister how crowds can be allowed to gather when events like the Royal Welsh Show and the Eisteddfod have been cancelled.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "We are working with our partners in local government to ensure the safety of locals, business owners and visitors alike.

"We expect everyone to fully comply with the coronavirus regulations in place in Wales.”