Concerns over Marine Parade and Cat Nab, Saltburn parking

Many have been left concerned with the current state of parking in Saltburn, specifically the Marine Parade and Cat Nab car parks, with new parking measures seen as discouraging tourism.

Andrew Hall, 57, from Bishop Auckland, said he worries the changes made to Marine Parade are being designed to deter tourists and urged the council not to "kill off" campervan visits to the town.

Mr Hall said he has owned a campervan for six years and Saltburn serves as a regular destination of his, and the free parking and proximity to the town had been ideal for him.

Speaking on the issue, he said: "We spend a lot of money there, we go there regularly and we really do like it.

"The council, so we hear, is going to turn the [parking] bays around, but actually they're quite narrow.

"Nobody's mentioned it, but it's also a fire risk. If one van goes up, the whole street will go up.

"I spent £600 in Saltburn over the Bank Holiday Weekend, we were with some friends of ours who spent £200. So that's two vans who spent £800.

"I've got a feeling the shops might take a massive hit. I look down the Cat Nab car park and I think there are about 30 vans in, on the top I would say 20 plus.

"You're talking a lot of revenue, maybe not everybody will spend a penny in there, but I bet the majority do.

"I think the residents are thinking that as well. Somebody said in the Seventies it had been [Saltburn] declining, and somebody else said it might happen again after they have just gotten it all built up."

Mr Hall added he was surprised by the support shown by Saltburn residents towards campervans.

He said concerns have already been raised about cars in Cat Nab car park not being able to freely exit due to a lack of space, and worries the same situation will occur in Marine Parade.

He said campervans on a campsite must remain six metres apart in case of a fire, and said he believes the new parking changes are going to cause "a massive fire risk."

Many other residents have also raised concerns regarding parking space, the introduction of more pay and display parking in the area, and the knock-on effect this could have on tourism.

Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council (RCBC) said the council's plans for parking will create 100 new spaces for visitors to the area.

Cllr Quartermain said: "Saltburn is a popular and much-loved beauty spot, similar to seaside towns like Whitby and Whitley Bay, and visitor numbers continue to grow year-on-year.

"Our plans for repositioning parking bays on Marine Parade will create more than 100 extra spaces for visitors. These parking bays will be made to a standard - no different from parking bays up and down the country.

"If visitors have campervans, we have dedicated spaces in Cat Nab car park to accommodate larger vehicles.

“Saltburn is an incredible place, which is why it attracts so many people year on year. But we must do our best to strike a balance between meeting the needs of residents, businesses and tourists.

"We intend to continue working with the public as plans proceed. Our aim is to improve the lives of those who live in the area as well as improve the experience for those who visit."

This comes after residents raised concerns regarding parking in the area, specifically the introduction of paid parking and the rearrangement of bays.

RCBC had published consultation documents outlining parking plans for Saltburn, holding a two-week consultation period with residents.