Carparks remain closed until safety checks complete

15 May 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Coastal and visitor car parks across Northumberland will remain closed as safety assessments continue.

While four country parks re-opened as lockdown restrictions began to ease, more work needs to be done across car parks, including those at visitor hotspots to ensure public safety - which is the council’s absolute priority.

Council Leader Peter Jackson explained: “Whilst lockdown is easing, the pandemic is by no means over. There are still thousands of cases across the UK, with the North East having one of the highest levels in the country.

“For this reason, we are taking a cautious approach, and our car parks will remain closed until we have fully assessed it is safe to open them.

“We understand people’s frustrations, but we must put public safety first. If you can, please stay at home as much as possible - it’s the safest place to be.

“And when you go out to exercise, please do so with caution, and keep your distance.”

The council is also asking people that if they do travel somewhere to exercise, to be respectful and sensible and not block roads where people live. There have been reports of inconsiderate parking on roads and streets surrounding closed car parks.

“And when you go out to exercise, please do so with caution, and keep your distance.”

Cllr Jackson added: “We have a duty to do all we can to protect our communities.

“Therefore, we’ll open our car parks only when we’re happy that they can be opened safely.”

The council will provide further updates when safety checks and risk assessments have been satisfied.