Saltburn: Accessibility Advocacy Update:

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 ðŸ“£ Accessibility Advocacy Update 📣


I’ve contacted both Redcar & Cleveland Council (contactus@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk) and Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council (office@smnmpc.co.uk) regarding the lack of disabled parking bays outside the Coco & Rum Thai restaurant in Saltburn.


Let’s see if they can add one or two designated disabled bays to the small car park next to the premises — a simple step that would go a long way in making Saltburn more #Accessible and #Inclusive for disabled residents and visitors.


I included photos in the email which show that the layout of the car park could easily accommodate one or two accessible spaces with minimal adjustment.


I also want to thank the Coco & Rum team directly. They were kind, helpful, and made an effort to explain who the car park belongs to — which helped me direct my advocacy to the appropriate authorities. I’ve forwarded my council email to them for reference and shared the following message:



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✉️ Email to Coco & Rum:


> Subject: Thank You & Parking Accessibility Feedback


Dear Coco & Rum Team,


Thank you for having me for my birthday meal in July. Your staff were incredibly polite, kind, and friendly, and I really appreciated the advice we were given regarding the car park next to your premises.


I’ve now contacted Saltburn Council about the lack of disabled parking bays in that car park, and have forwarded the email I sent to them on to you for your reference. I hope they will consider amending the layout to include accessible bays, which would make a big difference to disabled visitors.


Thank you once again for your help with this matter — and for being an accessible and inclusive restaurant. It really does make a difference.


Kind regards,

Sarah Wingfield

Independent Disability Advocate


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📬 Email sent to the councils:


> Subject: Lack of Disabled Parking Bays – Car Park Adjacent to Coco & Rum Restaurant, Saltburn


Dear Sir/Madam,


I am writing to raise a concern regarding the small car park next to the Thai restaurant, Coco & Rum, in Saltburn. I recently visited the area and was surprised to find that the car park has no designated disabled parking bays whatsoever.


As a disabled person, this lack of provision is extremely disappointing and limits accessibility for those of us who rely on clearly marked, accessible spaces close to our destination. I have taken photographs of the car park which show there is adequate space for at least one, if not two, properly designated disabled bays to be installed.


I would also like to acknowledge that Coco & Rum has clearly made an effort to be accessible within its premises — something that deserves recognition. However, without corresponding accessible parking, the overall experience is not as inclusive as it could be. Accessible businesses require accessible infrastructure around them in order to be truly usable by all.


This car park serves a popular restaurant and is in a central location, so it’s reasonable to expect that at least basic accessibility measures would be in place, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and inclusive design principles. While some might view it as a minor or private car park, that does not diminish the need for inclusive access — particularly when a small adjustment could make a significant difference to many residents and visitors.


I would be grateful if you could look into this matter and consider making the necessary changes to support equal access for disabled people. I am happy to share the photographs I’ve taken, should that assist your assessment.


Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.


Yours faithfully,

Sarah Wingfield

Independent Disability Advocate


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Small changes like adding accessible parking bays are easy to implement and make a real difference. Let’s hope Saltburn steps up. ♿💪



Alt text:

A collage of four photos showing a small car park outside the Coco & Rum Thai restaurant in Saltburn. The images reveal standard parking bays without any visible disabled (accessible) parking markings or signage. The car park is adjacent to a modern building with floor-to-ceiling windows, and several cars are parked across different bays. The sky is partly cloudy with late afternoon light. Overlay text reads “Kawaii Doll Decora” and the Instagram handle “@KawaiiDollDecora” in a decorative white font within a heart shape. The collage has a colourful gradient border.



#AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign #Saltburn #DisabledParking #Advocacy #EqualityInAction


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