Improvements at a popular walking spot in a coastal Northumberland town have been completed after months of work.
The promenade at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is a popular spot for a stroll, with views of the Couple Statue, which looks out over the North Sea. Work focused on improving access by levelling off the slipway where it crosses the promenade.
The previous slipway was steep and caused accessibility issues for promenade users, particularly those with limited mobility, wheelchair users and people with prams. The work, which included a beach reprofiling exercise to slow the migration of sand to the north end of the bay, started last October, and was completed on schedule ahead of the Easter holidays.
County Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Local Services, said: "We’re pleased to have got this work done as we know how popular the promenade is for both local people and visitors. The slipway is also of critical importance for the RNLI and well used by local boat owners."
"These works to make the promenade more accessible for all have been completed well ahead of the Easter holidays and hopefully will encourage even more people to visit this beautiful stretch of beach."
Liz Simpson, Newbiggin Central and East County Councillor, said: " I am so pleased I put the wheels in motion for this to happen, it has made the lifeboat ramp a safer place for residents and visitors to cross," while Coun Louise Spratt, Newbiggin Town Council Mayor, said: "This slipway has been needed for some time to ensure the safety of our residents and tourists who use the promenade. It is great to see it finished and being well used."
The slipway is used by the RNLI, with Newbiggin Lifeboat Station the oldest operational lifeboat boathouse in the UK and dating back to 1851. John Bryan, the centre's Lifeboat Operations Manager thanked Northumberland County Council on the manner in which the works on the slipway were completed.
Though the promenade has been completed, there is an ongoing dispute about whether dogs should be allowed off the lead on it. So much so that a petition has been submitted to Northumberland County Council, in a bid to stop 'aggressive' and 'out of control' dogs and 'unhelpful owners detracting from what should be an enjoyable experience'.
A report recommending a public consultation be carried out later this year was brought before councillors on Ashington and Blyth Local Area Council on Wednesday March 16. The report stated that the current Northumberland County Council (Dog Control) Public Spaces Protection Order is up for renewal next January, and any new measures require a public consultation.
Councillors unanimously agreed to support the report's recommendations, meaning the public will be consulted on the rule changes in September, before the dog control PSPO is renewed.
