Calls for clearer messaging on overnight campervan stays in Bamburgh

While signage indicates that no camping, no sleeping and no cooking is permitted, Cllr Andy Bardgett pointed out that vehicles can park for up to 72 hours.

“There are mixed messages,” he said. “The one about it not being used as a campsite is in among all the terms and conditions and it’s being missed.”

Cllr Kate Morton asked if Northumberland County Council had made any progress with a suggestion to allow some car parks to be used for overnight accommodation.

Bamburgh county councillor Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson said: “It’s an idea which has been floated about which is going to be tried in some places, like the aires they have in Europe, but that wouldn’t happen without consultation. In the meantime, we should carry on with the enforcement.”

Cllr Bardgett felt that the Links car park opposite Armstrong Cottages could potentially be a better place for overnight campervans.

“I know it’s Bamburgh Castle Estates but if there was going to be a candidate that would be the more logical one to use,” he said.

Meanwhile, the parish council is still waiting to hear more about proposed traffic calming measures with £30,000 having been allocated to the project.

Disintegrating rumble strips have also been removed from Links Road.

"It means we’ve got an even faster road than we had before,” said Cllr Bardgett. “This is dragging on and on and we're getting nowhere.”

Cllr Renner-Thompson felt it was unlikely the rumble strips would be replaced.

"The speed survey was done with the rumble strips in place and cars were still speeding so they weren’t working,” he said. “I’m not sure what we would gain from putting them back because I think they would just disintegrate again, although I’m not a highways engineer.”

It was agreed to write to the county council expressing disappointment at the lack of progress.

Parish councillors are also keen to move proposed resurfacing works on Lucker Road after they were told the £120,000 scheme had been pencilled in for late August.

"It’s not the best time to do it,” said Cllr Brook. “Even if they took it into September that would help.”

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