North Tyneside Council has said the opening times of coastal public toilets are “under review” following a call to extend them. The issue was raised on BBC Radio Newcastle’s hotseat segment with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, where a listener urged authorities to extend opening hours and address the “lack” of facilities, especially for volunteers cleaning up nurdles along the coast.
Mayor responds to toilet call
Ms McGuinness said the nurdles spill “highlighted” the need for facilities but added it was a matter for the local authority. Around 25 tonnes of nurdles were spilled into the Tyne after a collision between the Wind Orca and the BG Orange on Sunday, July 19. More than 1,000 volunteers have helped remove the plastic pellets from beaches across Northumberland and Sunderland, with council workers also using specialist equipment.
Council statement on hours
A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “We recognise how important access to public toilets is for residents, visitors, and people using our coastline, including early in the morning and into the evening. Opening hours vary between locations. To support the higher number of people visiting the coast during the summer, the toilets at Watts Slope in Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth Boating Lake remain open until 8 pm from May until the end of August. We have also extended the opening hours of the public toilets at the Fish Quay from 7 am until 8 pm to support volunteers working in the area following the plastic pellet spillage. We keep opening arrangements under review and will consider whether any further changes are needed, taking account of demand, location and the practicalities of operating each facility.”
