New restrictions considered after wildfire at beach

> Smoke rising over the sand dunes at Druridge Bay

- JAMES ROBINSON Local democracy reporter [e-mail]

FFICIALS are considering introducing tough new restritions at a popular Northumberland beach after a devastating wildfire earlier this year.

‘The Druridge Bay Partnership has said it is looking at solutions to “persistent challenges” around illegal camping and antisocial behaviour.

‘The wildfire, believed to have been caused by an out-of-control camp fire, left a huge swathe of vegetation blackened and charred in August.

‘The fire came despite repeated warnings from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service following a spell of dry weather.

‘The partnership is made up of the National Trust, Northumbria Police, the fire service, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumberland Coast National Landscape, Northumberland County Council and local councillor Scott Dickinson.

Camping is already prohibited except at the designated camp site in the area.