Coastal car parks across Northumberland closed as people urged to stay at home

The decision has been taken by Northumberland County Council following the Government’s latest guidance on all non-essential travel and clear instruction that people should stay at home.

It comes after a small minority of people ignored the Government’s advice and continued to visit some areas in numbers earlier this week.

The car parks that will close include:

Spittal, Bamburgh, Holy Island, Seahouses, Craster, Beadnell, Newton Steads, Low Newton, Warkworth Beach Picnic Site, Amble Braid, Cresswell Dunes, Blyth Mermaid, Beachway and Ranch car parks, Fountain Head and Old Hartley car parks, Seaton Sluice.

The council’s three main country parks which attract large numbers of tourists - Bolam Lake, Plessey Woods and Druridge Bay, along with the car parks at these sites, are also now closed, until further notice.

Urban country parks, parks and green spaces will remain open to enable local residents to exercise, but playgrounds will be closed, and all residents should strictly follow Government guidance on social distancing and gatherings. This will be kept under review and may be subject to further change, if required.

All public toilets in the county will also be closed until further notice.

Council leader Peter Jackson said: “While our beautiful environment and our country parks are some of the jewels in the crown of our great county it is important for us to take these steps in line with Government guidance on non-essential travel as a means of persuading people to stay at home.

“The Government guidance is very clear - people should stay at home and avoid social contact to protect the NHS and save lives - and it’s disappointing a small minority aren’t taking this seriously enough.

“Over recent days a number of our country parks and tourist car parks were still very busy so we’ve had to take action. It is imperative every single one of us heeds the Government’s messages on not going out unless strictly necessary. Following this guidance will help save many lives.”