CORONAVIRUS - Scarborough council could open up car parks

By: Carl Gavaghan

Scarborough Council has said it will now consider reopening some of its car parks and public toilets during the bank holiday weekend.

If there is the demand it will look to provide the facilities, which have been shut since the coronavirus lockdown came into force.

The council has reiterated that people should still “think twice” before journeying to the coast this weekend.

A spokesman said the authority would

“monitor the impact of visitors during the weekend and will open some of its car parks and toilets in busy areas if there is a demand”.

The council will also support any decision North Yorkshire County Council takes to close key coastal roads to traffic during the weekend to allow more space for pedestrians to socially distance.

Cllr Liz Colling, Scarborough Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Inclusive Growth, said:

“I know local people are concerned about the difficulties in maintaining social distancing, cars blocking residential areas and litter left on beaches following the recent influx of visitors in the last couple of days.

Working with our partners, we will do all we can for the safety and wellbeing of our residents and our visitors. In return, we need people to do their bit to help.

I ask people to think twice, plan ahead before they set off on their journey and stay alert when they arrive.

Please avoid busy areas, including narrow streets and pavements. Remember to respect social distancing at all times by staying at least two metres apart from anyone not in your household.

Sadly, litter on our beaches is not unique to the current situation. It is something we see every year and there is no excuse for it.

The council has also confirmed it will carry out additional litter picks on beaches.

North Yorkshire County Council has announced that it will also be closing Foreshore Road, Royal Albert Drive and Marine Drive in Scarborough to traffic for the second weekend running alongside several parking suspensions across the borough to try to enable social distancing.

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