Residents in Blyth have been urged not to approach campers on the Blyth Links, even if they are there without permission. Despite the Links being a protected area where camping is prohibited, residents have raised a number of concerns in recent weeks.
Councillor urges reporting rather than confrontation
Coun Daniel Carr, who represents the South Beach ward on Northumberland County Council, said the public had reported campers using vehicles, tents and horses. Coun Carr said he had spoken to council officers after the latest incident.
He said: "I’ve had a number of residents raise concerns about unauthorised camping and people occupying areas of the Blyth Links with vehicles, horses and tents. Following enquiries, I want to make clear what residents should do if they come across a similar situation.
"Please do not approach or confront anyone yourself. If someone is camping or occupying the Links without permission, particularly if there are open fires, horses, damage, waste or other concerns, report it to the relevant authorities via contacting your local councillor or call Northumberland County Council."
Recent incident and safety advice
A recent incident involved a horse-drawn vehicle, a tent, a horse being grazed on the Links and open fires. If you feel threatened, are being confronted or there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, contact Northumbria Police.
"I have also been advised that the council’s parks and green spaces team are working with cleansing teams and volunteers and are ensuring access barriers are being closed where possible to help prevent vehicles gaining access. I appreciate that residents want to enjoy the Links and foreshore safely, and it is important that people feel confident reporting problems without putting themselves in a potentially difficult or confrontational situation.
"If you see something similar, please report it rather than putting yourself at risk by dealing with it personally. I’ll continue to raise concerns brought to me with the relevant Council and police teams."
Protected area rules and enforcement
The Links includes Blyth beach and the iconic beach huts, as well as the historic World War One Blyth Battery fortifications. The council's website states that "no motorised vehicles are allowed on the dunes or the beach and no camping or overnight parking is allowed on the beach, dunes or any of the links car parks".
It adds: "The dune system is fragile and visitors are asked to respect the wildlife and especially the dune faces. Damage to the vegetation and the dune face can quickly escalate and threaten the integrity of the dunes, which are our first line of sea defense."
No fires or barbecues are allowed on the dunes. Barbecues may be used on the beach with the coastal warden's permission and there is a permit system in place for organised barbecues.
