It’s an unquenchable monster' - call for rethink on proposed parking restrictions in Bamburgh

Northumberland County Council recently consulted residents about the introduction of double yellow lines on one side of The Wynding, the narrow road leading to the beach and golf course.

However, parish councillors do not believe that will solve the problem of parking congestion at peak times of the year.

That was also the consensus of a recent meeting of residents and businesses who want the authority to consider a fresh consultation on double yellow lines on both sides of the road, preferably seasonal.

Coun Kirsty Dobson, who chaired that meeting, said: “People felt there was no option other than to put double yellows on both sides all the way up to the car park.

“No-one really wants that but everyone felt it was a safety issue because if someone fell ill at the golf club or beach you couldn’t get emergency services down there.”

However, building works being carried out on The Wynding at the moment has also highlighted the difficulties of having double yellows on both sides.

“It’s a tricky issue,” added Coun Dobson. “It’s a problem for the whole of Bamburgh. I don’t think we can do The Wynding without have a car park somewhere else.

“It’s an unquenchable monster. Where do you stop? We need a long-term solution looking at the big picture.”

Residents also noted that properties on The Wynding without off-street parking needed to be considered.

There is already a small car park by the beach but it is quickly filled in the summer.

Parish council chairman Barbara Brook suggested extra parking could be created on land just beyond Mill Burn.

She said: “As a council we feel the problem with The Wynding is a symptom. By trying to solve the issue there we might be causing problems elsewhere in the village.

“My personal view is that you need a seasonal car park, not next year – this year – because there are great concerns about safety and access at The Wynding.

“By putting double yellow lines everywhere we are just putting a sticking plaster over it. We just need another car park in the summer.”