Plastic nurdles clean-up in North Tyneside puts public toilet opening times in spotlight

The number and hours of operations of public WCs along North Tyneside’s beaches were brought into question on BBC Radio Newcastle’s hotseat segment with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.

Authorities were urged to consider extending opening hours and address the “lack” of public toilets, particularly in light of volunteers coming to the coast to help clear up nurdles.

Ms McGuinness said while issues like the nurdles clean-up “highlight” the need for facilities, it was a matter to raise with the local authority.

Around 25 tonnes of nurdles were spilt into the Tyne after a collision between the Wind Orca and the BG Orange on Sunday, July 19.

More than 1,000 volunteers have helped remove plastic pellets from beaches. Council workers have also been using specialist equipment to clear up the beaches.

A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “We recognise how important access to public toilets is for residents, visitors, and people using our coastline, including early in the morning and into the evening.

“Opening hours vary between locations. To support the higher number of people visiting the coast during the summer, the toilets at Watts Slope in Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth Boating Lake remain open until 8 pm from May until the end of August.

"We have also extended the opening hours of the public toilets at the Fish Quay from 7 am until 8 pm to support volunteers working in the area following the plastic pellet spillage.

“We keep opening arrangements under review and will consider whether any further changes are needed, taking account of demand, location and the practicalities of operating each facility.”