Camper van concerns raised in Northumberland coastal village

The issue was raised at a meeting of Alnmouth Parish Council where councillors called for further information on what, if anything, can be done about it.

Chairman Shaun Whyte, who raised the issue with Northumbria Police, said: “There have been a number of incidents of camper vans staying overnight both on the beach (car park) and also around the village (Riverside).

"I checked with the police but, effectively, if there are no regulations in place to prevent that and they are actually on the highway then there is nothing they can do.

"I have put a call into Northumberland County Council to see if any bylaws have been infringed. They haven’t got back to me yet but I suspect probably not.”

Coun Susanne Gair said she had spoken to Robin Winder of Alnmouth Burgage Holders, which have responsibility for the beach car park.

"The camper vans are clearly staying there overnight and some of them are staying more than one night,” she said. “Apparently the burgage holders are looking into putting some gates in there to stop this.”

Coun Whyte replied: “They’re looking at a couple of things. One is a gate down by the boat house and also perhaps a barrier where the money is collected. They’re just checking whether planning permission is required.

"That would be a positive although it would be a pain for them to have to go down and lock up every evening and open every morning.

"It’s obviously a problem and it’s something we’ve got to keep an eye on because it’s a cheap overnight stay for them.”

Coun George Ternent said: “Maybe we could explore whether it’s possible to get a local bylaw to stop camper vans parking in the village?”

Coun Whyte said he would ask the county council about the process.

Similar concerns were raised at a meeting of Beadnell Parish Council last month.

It was also revealed in the police report that Covid-19-related breaches of people staying in holiday homes and second homes during lockdown were investigated.

“Numerous persons have been checked and issued with advice,” it was reported.

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