Blyth Beach Promenade - Pedestrian barrier

Overview

Blyth Beach Promenade – improving public safety

Storms in recent years have depleted sand levels at Blyth Beach and created a significant height difference between the promenade and the beach below.  This height difference is severe in places and has resulted in the County Council placing temporary barriers along the promenade edge to try to prevent falls from height, which could result in severe injury or worse.

Sand levels at the beach are impossible to predict and, whilst the difference in height between the promenade and beach may not always be large, we can be certain that a significant risk of a fall from height will continue to present a risk to visitors to the promenade from time to time.

Clearly, when the promenade was installed, health and safety concerns and guiding legislation were not what they are today.  Today, the County Council, as owners and managers of the site, have a clear responsibility and must take appropriate steps to mitigate risks to health and safety of visitors.

As part of ongoing works to improve the Blyth Beach site, the County Council is considering options for the installation of a permanent safety barrier along the promenade edge.  As part of the process of considering and assessing options, it is important that the Council receives the views of local residents, visitors to the site and local businesses.

The following survey will allow respondents to rank preferences in the style and colour of potential railings or balustrade, and to provide brief comments.

It is important to note that full consideration of options for a permanent barrier, whilst taking into consideration the views of stakeholders and the public, must also be based on the financial resources available to the County Council and other factors such as the on-going maintenance costs and sustainability of different options.

Why your views matter

Public consultation and communication are vital to the effective and efficient delivery of customer focussed services and support to all of our communities.

Your views are important to us.