Coastal car-park improvements ahead of Easter

The creation of a new car park on the north Northumberland coast is nearly complete, while the resurfacing of another is already done - with the Easter holidays just around the corner.
Coun Kate Cairns and Coun Ian Swithenbank in the new car park under construction at High Newton.Coun Kate Cairns and Coun Ian Swithenbank in the new car park under construction at High Newton.
Coun Kate Cairns and Coun Ian Swithenbank in the new car park under construction at High Newton.

Craster’s Quarry car park has been resurfaced and relined, while in High Newton, where a brand-new car park is being built on the edge of the village, work is now nearly complete on what is hoped will ease congestion by having less traffic congregating in the centre of the village.

The High Newton works were first brought about by the area's county councillor, Kate Cairns, working with the parish council to solve the problem of increasing visitor parking in the village, which was preventing access for the bus and farm traffic, and creating a safety issue.

Couns Ian Swithenbank, Bryn Owen and Kate Cairns in Craster's Quarry car park.Couns Ian Swithenbank, Bryn Owen and Kate Cairns in Craster's Quarry car park.
Couns Ian Swithenbank, Bryn Owen and Kate Cairns in Craster's Quarry car park.
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Coun Cairns said: "I am delighted the car-park improvements in this area are being completed well ahead of the Easter holidays and influx of visitors.

“The construction of the new car park in High Newton benefits locals by keeping visitors' cars away from the village centre and from outside of people’s gates and from blocking their drives. It will also benefit visitors by giving them more space and alternative parking to the very busy car parks on the coast."

Coun Ian Swithenbank, cabinet member for local services, said: "This is another example of the council listening to residents and investing in facilities that benefit the thousands of visitors who come to our county each year. The work has been done quickly and to a high standard, giving visitors to some of our most stunning coastal locations a great first impression when they come to either Craster or High Newton."

Coun John Roper, chairman of Newton by the Sea Parish Council, said: "The parish council is very pleased to have played a major part in securing this car park for High Newton. We are very grateful to the county council for funding this project which will help restore the charm and tranquil nature of the village. This will benefit both residents and visitors alike."

Couns Ian Swithenbank, Bryn Owen and Kate Cairns in Craster's Quarry car park.Couns Ian Swithenbank, Bryn Owen and Kate Cairns in Craster's Quarry car park.
Couns Ian Swithenbank, Bryn Owen and Kate Cairns in Craster's Quarry car park.
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Craster Parish Council chairman, Coun Bryn Owen, said: "Our thanks to the county council for this investment in order to improve the experience for tourists visiting Craster. It is only one of many areas where investment beyond local resources is required to support the tourist market which is why Craster Parish Council is exploring options with the county council to achieve additional improvements for other local schemes."