I tried to get council to listen, says Druridge Bay councillor

Druridge Bay councillor and deputy leader of Northumberland's Labour group has expressed his dismay at the response to his request that the barrier and car parks at Druridge Bay should be closed to the outside area public during Tier 4 and the lock down.

Scott Dickinson said: “Despite asking on a number of occasions for the barrier and car parks to be closed to dissuade people from travelling, I have been told that, after much discussion at an Conservative informal cabinet meeting, the council has decided to keep the barrier and car park open at Druridge Bay.

“As member for that area, and as a matter of simple courtesy, it would have been good for the council to have consulted me about the way forward. I am receiving complaints from residents on a daily basis and I should have been given the opportunity to represent their views before a decision was taken.

“I understand that people are being allowed out to exercise once a day during this lockdown but the clear instruction from government is no travelling unless for work, essential shopping or child care.

“I have had it explained to me that the decision to keep Druridge Bay and all other beauty spot car parks open is in line with government guidance to keep these places open for the public and enable people who live nearby to use them for exercise. The council has told me that closing the car parks would only move the traffic to residential areas, causing inconvenience and disruption for local people. I've also been told that these open spaces allow for adequate social distancing and help people's mental wellbeing.

“I know the police would prefer the council to close the car parks to stop people from travelling during the lockdown but they have told the council it is up to them. I would prefer limitations on the opening should they be insistent on keeping them open. I am aware local people often need to drive to the location so that would accommodate them too and not disadvantage, even some gate marshalling if they don’t want to restrict access.

“My concerns are the disregard for the views of people living in the area and me as their representative on the council. I understand people are travelling some distance to visit Druridge, even though this is not allowed under the lockdown. At the very least I would expect to be consulted about an issue which concerns the people I represent.

“The council tell me they will be monitoring the situation. So, will I and I urge residents to contact me if they still have concerns after having heard the council's reasoning for not shutting the car parks.

“I have also raised the multiple issues of visitors using local amenity and using the supplies that many local people rely on access to as transport to bigger shops and pharmacies mean they need to use public transport which many are avoiding.

“Not to mention that Druridge Bay has been at the top of the Northumberland local infection table on a number of occasions.”