Public toilets to reopen for visitors to Seaton Carew and Hartlepool's Headland as lockdown eases

Conveniences at Seaton Carew and on the Headland will reopen from Friday, June 5, Hartlepool Borough Council has confirmed.

But council chiefs are warning people to use them responsibly and observe social distancing or they could be closed again.

The public toilets at Seaton Carew Clock Tower, Newburn Bridge and the Headland Croft Gardens will be reopened.

It follows the gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown which has seen more people venture to the coast couples with more businesses starting to reopen.

Tony Hanson, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director (Environment and Neighbourhood Services), said: “We had to close the toilets back in March on public safety grounds in response to the coronavirus outbreak, but we are pleased now to be in a position to reopen them.

“However, I would stress that this is absolutely dependent on people using the toilets safely and responsibly to maintain social distancing in and around them.

“This is not only vital for the safety of the public but also for the staff who will be entering the toilets at regular intervals to clean them.

“If this does not happen – or if there are any incidents of anti-social behaviour – we will have no alternative but to close the toilets again.”

Related: Seaton bar adapts to social distancing to welcome back customers

The toilets at Seaton Carew will be open every day from 9am and will close at 8pm, and between 9am and 8.30pm at Croft Gardens on the Headland.

There have been reports on social media of some visitors to Seaton going to the toilet in public.

The announcement from the council follows the reopening of the coach and car park a week ago and the reintroduction of pay and display charges which had earlier been suspended.

However, the Rocket House and Newburn Bridge car parks remain closed as council chiefs advise people not to rush to Hartlepool’s coast.

They issued the appeal after the town’s coronavirus infection rate increased in May to 342 per 100,000 – higher than 75% of local authority areas in England.

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