New footwash to be installed on North Prom ahead of the summer season

A brand new free footwash, funded by TransPennine Express, is going to be installed on North Prom ahead of the summer season.

The footwash design has been created by Blackrow Engineering, who have also done the recycling sculptures along the sea front.

It will be located opposite the ramp entrance to the railway station, near the steps to the beach at that point.

There are a few elements of the work: To install a drainage pipe and water pipe from the footwash location, across the pathway to the road, which will be done by local contractors; to install a water pipe across the road from the mains water supply, which will be done by Anglian Water; and finally to install the footwash itself.

The new drainage pipe from the footwash needs to be joined into the current drainage gulley further along the road. This can’t be joined in a straight line opposite the new footwash, as there isn’t enough “fall” for the water to flow using gravity at that point. A 15m section of the pathway needs to be excavated to join into the Anglian Water facilities further down towards the pier.

From Monday 19 May there will be a closure of a section of the footpath on the beach side of the road. This closure will be followed by the Anglian Water works in early June to get the water supply pipe across the road and install a water meter curbside. These works will be done under traffic lights.

The installation will be commissioned for use ahead of the summer season.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Cabinet member for tourism, said: “This is something several businesses have been calling for on the North Prom. Foot washes help keep business premises clean, as well as being useful for families and beach goers. We have a wonderful beach, and this will be a great asset.”