Great idea but we need more to attract people to the sea front
Shields Gazette readers have reacted to beach huts and “retail pods” being given the green light.
South Tyneside Council’s planning department has approved a “reserved matters” application for land at South Promenade, Sea Road, which will see beach huts constructed.
The site, which sits adjacent to the Sand Dancer pub and near the Colmans Seafood Temple, is the former site of the Frankie’s Ritz Café - which was demolished decades ago.
According to the plans, the site could accommodate 18 beach huts, six retail pods, two toilets, an associated office, a waste store and a Changing Places facility, which is designed to meet the needs of disabled people with complex care needs.
Some Shields Gazette readers have welcomed the plans while others have stated that there needs to be more in the area to bring people to South Shields sea front.
This is what you had to say via the Shields Gazette Facebook page:
Paul Ted Haynes: “Waste of time and money, storms or vandals will get them.
“Build a decent outdoor centre to house lifeguards and the surf school with changing rooms and showers for a small fee to help with costs.
“Rebuild the velo track and a pump track in the middle, turn the Waters Edge into a non-profit Council owned cafe and restaurant - make much better options for our sea front.”
Michelle Pattison: “There’s loads of empty space, they need to bring some bars and restaurants.
“A Stack would be great as it brings more people and good competition for other bars.”
Ann-Marie Bainbridge: “Great idea but the Council needs to cut the car parking charges - more cafes/restaurants needed.”
Lisa Moore: “Great idea but we need more to attract people to the sea front, there is so much free space not getting used.
“We need a stack like at Seaburn to attract people nearby and help other local businesses.”
Anne Hetherington: “Good to see something positive happening.”
Leah Collinson: “Amazing. Been a while coming but so pleased this is coming to fruition at last!”
Brian Foster: “It works in lovely little quiet seaside towns like Amble.
“I'm not quite sure they will achieve the same results in Shields.”
Kyle Elliott: “The weather will destroy anything like that. I like the idea but not sure its practical.”
Ian J Allison: “A step in the right direction. Good news.”
James Tubbrit: “There is so much more needed at the sea front as well as these.
“Nothing much there to attract people unless you want to waste money in the amusements.
“Seaburn has stole a march on Shields these last 20 years or so and it proves if there is enough will to make it happen, then it will.”
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