Campers face clampdown as Bamburgh Castle Estates considers ways to tackle problems on Northumberland coast

Bamburgh Castle Estates is considering lowering overhead barriers and introducing new signage in its car parks along The Wynding.

Similar measures to prevent overnight stays by camper vans are planned in Alnmouth, while there have also been issues in Beadnell.

A Bamburgh Castle Estates spokesman said: “Whilst parking has been a bit of an issue, what makes it worse is the increase in rubbish as well as the claims of people using the dunes as a toilet.

"We appreciate that there are a lot more people coming out to enjoy the Northumberland coast, which is entirely understandable and for the most part they are responsible and very welcome, as ever there is a small minority who are causing a few issues.

"We need to take a measured approach to tackling some of the issues and are considering the various options, but have not yet decided on the most appropriate course of action.”

Bamburgh Castle Estates has also suggested the trial removal of rubbish bins from both car parks to encourage visitors to take it away with them, although this idea met with opposition from members of Bamburgh Parish Council.

“That’s a load of bananas because they will just leave their bags of rubbish where the bin was,” said Cllr Kirsty Dobson.

Cllr Andy Bardgett agreed: “They’re not going to fill their car with rubbish and drive it back to Newcastle.”

Councillors also heard double yellow lines will not be introduced at The Wynding until the autumn.

Cones have been put in place as far as the first car park to alleviate congestion earlier in the summer.

"Parking has now been pushed along to the second bit which proves the point to me that if we’re going to do double yellows it needs to go all the way up to the golf club,” said Cllr Dobson

However, Cllr Bardgett felt the only problem was by the sewage station where there remained access issues.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson advised any change to the existing proposal would mean re-consulting so members agreed to wait until the double yellow lines are installed before pushing for an extension.

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