The rationale behind the upgrading of the toilets adjacent to the Cresswell Arms in Newbiggin by the Sea.
Newbiggin by the Sea is one of the few places, and possibly the only place in Europe, with a population of over six thousand people that has virtually no commerce or industry. When Newbiggin by the Sea Town Council was formed ten years ago the priority was to invest in projects that had the support of the people and assisted in the economic regeneration of the Town. We now get more visitors each year and once again Newbiggin by the Sea is a destination for people looking for a day out.
A decade ago Newbiggin by the Sea was by-passed. On a warm sunny day in summer hundreds, if not thousands, of motorists ignored Newbiggin on their way to Amble, Craster, Beadnell, Newton, Boulmer, Seahouses and Bamburgh. All of these coastal towns have a car park for their visitors, and all have public toilets adjacent to their car park.
To support the increasing number of visitors and to support the growing number of events that attract visitors it was obvious that investment in the basic infrastructure was paramount. In a comprehensive survey the residents agreed and made toilets, car parking and events their top priorities.
After a tortuous six years of struggle the Town Council was ‘obliged’ to contribute £100,000.00 towards the shops and flats development in the Town Centre that would also include toilets and a Council Office.
As the reputation of Newbiggin by the Sea improved so did the number of events and visitors and it became clear that toilets adjacent to the car park would improve the reputation of the Town for visitors. Good facilities would also attract coach trips to support trade and bring money into the town. People getting off a coach usually look for toilet facilities on arrival; ask the coach operators. Coaches usually terminate their journey at the Church Point Car Park.
The growing popularity of Newbiggin by the Sea is evidenced by the success of the Park Run that takes place every Saturday morning. On New Years Day there were 476 participants. Shortly afterwards the New Years Dip attracted scores of hardy dippers and hundreds of onlookers. Over the year events sponsored by our Traders attract more and more visitors.
More and more people are recognising the attractiveness of our community and we have a responsibility to ensure that we are prosperous in the 21st Century by providing 21st Century facilities.
The Cresswell Toilets
The proposed toilet facilities to support the Church Point Car Park offered four 21st Century cubicles, each cubicle offers male/female/disabled and baby change facilities of the highest quality. In the winter months only one would be available and in the busy months there would be a male, a female and a disabled toilet available with a spare unit in case of a necessary closure.
This modern facility was to have costed £71,000.00. Almost £30,000.00 less than the Town Centre toilets??? Common sense will, presumably, prevail.
The 21st Century will be much different from the previous century; there is much speculation now about a four day week. Newbiggin by the Sea needs to be prepared for a future that gives people more leisure time that offering a much different economy.?
Decisions should be made by evidence and common sense and not by intimidation and mob rule.
Alan Thompson . March 2019
