I was at a meeting of the parish council's environment committee this afternoon where representatives from the Limestone Landscape and Durham Heritage Coast Partnerships were in attendance to discuss their proposals for improvements at the Blackhall Rocks picnic area (see blog post dated 28 March 2012 for further information).
The main areas proposed for works include:
- The main car park: to be resurfaced and enlarged, with marked parking bays and improved signs and new bins. Proposals include a new picnic area for use by disabled people.
- New coastal access route: to include new signs and seating on the new route from the main car park to the viewing area.
- Proposed Traffic Prohibition Order: to restrict vehicles from the road between the main car park and the turning point at the steps. Emergency access would remain.
- Turning point redevelopment: to include new signs and seating areas at the turning point at the top of the steps.
As I insisted earlier the proposals put forward by the Partnership must be put to the public for their information and also to ensure full engagement. There was general agreement this afternoon that if the scheme was not accepted and endorsed by the public the works would not proceed.
I have asked in particular that the Partnership ensures that user groups (such as walkers and anglers) are made fully aware of the proposals and that their comments and suggestions are taken into full consideration before any works are agreed to progress.
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions in relation to this matter.
