The Glaslyn osprey project won’t reopen this year, leading to a loss of income of around £35,000.

The Pont Croesor Visitor Centre near Porthmadog has announced it will remain closed because the risk of catching the coronavirus is too high.

Following First Minister Mark Drakeford’s announcement that indoor centres such as Pont Croesor could reopen from yesterday (Monday), the Glaslyn Wildlife Centre carried out a risk assessment of the visitor centre and site.

“Medical advice was sought and an impact assessment carried out,” the centre said.

“If the conditions and precautions could ensure a safe environment for visitors, volunteers and staff, we were hoping to open for two days (Saturday and Sunday) each week, from 12pm to 4pm throughout August and September.

“The risk assessment identified situations and activities which might cause the transmission of the virus, who would be exposed and how to manage that situation and control the risk.

“Sadly, despite making many modifications to the way we operate, we have made the difficult decision not to reopen the visitor centre this summer.

“The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is of paramount importance to us.”

They added: “We know that many of you will be disappointed and some of you had hoped to visit the visitor centre before the ospreys leave the Glasyn Valley at the beginning of September.

“However, we also know that you will understand our reasons for remaining closed.”

The continued closure for the whole season means the centre will have missed out on over £35,000 in income through donations and cafe and shop sales.

“Hard times indeed,” a spokesperson said. “But we are still here and that is solely due to your generous and continued support. Our heartfelt thanks to you all again.

“No doubt, next season will bring similar challenges, but at least we will have had the winter months to make adaptations to the visitor centre and the site that will safeguard everybody and continue to provide a first-class visitor experience.”