Work set to start on new car park at Newton-by-the-Sea

The facility is to be built on the edge of Nigh Newton after plans were approved by Northumberland County Council.

It is hoped that this new car park will ease congestion by having less traffic congregating in the centre of the village.

These works were first brought about by the ward councillor, Kate Cairns, working with the parish council to solve the problem of increasing visitor parking in the village, which was preventing access for the bus and farm traffic and creating a safety issue.

Coun Cairns said: “Some months ago I and my County Hall colleagues argued for this funding on the basis that existing local car parks are not free. I was pleased that the council then agreed this funding allocation.

“The construction of the new car park benefits locals by keeping visitors’ cars away from the village centre and from outside of people’s gates and from blocking their drives.

“It will also benefit visitors by giving them more space and alternative parking to the very busy car parks on the coast.

“It will be accompanied by yellow lines in the centre of the village.”

Work begins on the new car park this week and the project is expected to be completed by Easter.

Coun Ian Swithenbank, cabinet member for local services, said: “This is another example of the council investing in something that residents felt they needed. We’re delighted to be able to provide something that was first suggested by the ward councillor in partnership with the parish council here.”