Council chiefs respond to concerns as seafront car parks and public toilets reopen in South Tyneside

South Tyneside council began a rolling programme of reopening its coastal car parks after the Government revised its guidance enabling people to travel further and exercise for longer.

Car parking services have been re-introduced from Monday, May 18, following thorough risk assessments to ensure they meet social distancing guidelines.

Public toilets are also being reopened on a phased-in programme with new measures and restrictions in place to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

Toilets at Littlehaven and the walkway at Sandhaven have reopened with new signage, two metre markers and attendants placed at each site, followed by the toilets in Queen Street, Jarrow Bus Station and the Grotto at Marsden.

Now council chiefs have responded to concerns raised by some residents about the latest move, urging people to stay at home “as much as possible”.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said the council has a “difficult balance to strike” as lockdown restrictions are eased.

She commented: “While there has been a partial relaxation of the rules around driving to places, restrictions are still very much in place. We have been clear that people should stay at home as much as possible.

“Like a number of local authorities across the country, we have reopened our car parks and we know that this has raised some concerns among residents.

“We have a difficult balance to strike between accommodating people who choose to drive to the coast while supporting the needs of the local community.

“And while we are not encouraging visitors to come to the borough at this time, the guidelines do say that people can travel for recreation and exercise for longer. This is down to individual choice and if they choose to go out, they are advised to walk, cycle or use their own car.

“Providing parking will help us to keep our roads clear for emergency vehicles while also addressing issues around visitors parking in residential areas.”

Coun Atkinson added: “We are all working to see what the changes in government guidance means for daily life.

“As a council, we look at how it will impact on our ability to bring back the services that people rely on. This must be done safely and in line with the rules around social distancing.

“While we do not set the guidelines, we continue to urge people to stay at home as much as possible and only go out if their journey is essential. If they do need to go out, then they need to be take extra care. It is imperative that they keep two metres apart from anyone from outside their own household.

“People are also encouraged to continue following the advice of Public Health England around hygiene and handwashing. It is important that people do all they can to keep themselves and others safe as we protect our communities from this pandemic.”

The council has also reminded people that anyone breaching social distancing rules risks a £100 fixed penalty notice from police.

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