Police increase patrols on the Northumberland coast over bank holiday weekend

The county boasts more than 30 miles of immaculate beaches, with everything from castle-side coastline to sea-view pubs and attracting everyone from dog walkers and surfers to dolphin spotters and sandcastle builders.

Throughout the months ahead, Northumbria Police will be working with a range of partners as part of a targeted initiative to help ensure people can enjoy the area safely while encouraging all to act responsibly.

They will be building on this activity over the weekend, as the border county is expected to see an influx of visitors, with people once again allowed to travel between Scotland and England combined with the fact it is also a Bank Holiday.

Rural Inspector John Swan said: “While some showers are forecast, we’re prepared for this to be a busy Bank Holiday weekend along the coast, and we want everyone to be able to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

“We will have increased patrols along the coastline and will be working closely with our colleagues at Northumberland County Council and their wardens.”

He added: “Northumberland is always a popular destination for tourists and with staycations increasing, we are anticipating even more people will be travelling to enjoy what this amazing area has to offer.

“We are also very mindful, that there are those lucky enough to call the coast their home and so we will be working with the local community to continue to respond to concerns they may have.

“Going forward, every week our activity will be tailored, factoring in weather, Bank Holidays and summer trends.”

Meanwhile, Northumbria Police are also backing the county council’s #UnspoiltNorthumberland campaign which encourages everyone to #RespectProtectEnjoy Northumberland.

Their campaign urges everyone to remember simple things like picking up litter, bagging and binning dog waste and not lighting fires on the coast.

David Hall, chairman at Northumberland Tourism, said: “Many people from outside the county may not know Northumberland well and we want to welcome them while gently reminding people to help keep our glorious county pristine for others to enjoy.”

The dramatic events of the pandemic are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on your support through buying our newspaper. If you can, please pick up a copy of the newspaper when you are at the shops. Thank you.