Newsham Station – Where’s the Nearest Toilet?

[Neilandrewhall]

Hi all,

I’m working at Newsham station tomorrow on behalf of ARTS for Northern Rail and was wondering if anyone familiar with the station could help me out.

I’m there for an 8-hour shift, with two buses an hour that I need to be present for and dispatch. I’ve been told there isn’t much around the station, and after watching one of Geoff Marshall’s videos, that certainly seems to be the case!

Does anyone know where the nearest toilet facilities are to the station? Ideally somewhere I could realistically get to during the shift without being away from the station for too long.

Sorry for the late-night question — just trying to plan ahead for tomorrow!

Thanks in advance

 

[py_megapixel]

Does your employer not have a duty to ensure you have access to toilet facilities?!?

 

[Neilandrewhall]

Nope I questioned it today and they said you'll have to find somewhere or a bush.

Does your employer not have a duty to ensure you have access to toilet facilities?!?

 

[speedy1]

Nope I questioned it today and they said you'll have to find somewhere or a bush.

Northern... Not surprised at all !

If you need you to go, take however long as you need to go with dignity.. Taxi etc. Screw em

 

[Neilandrewhall]

Northern... Not surprised at all !

If you need you to go, take however long as you need to go with dignity.. Screw em

Speedy it's just trying to find somewhere that's my issue. When I look on google there is literally nothing.

 

[speedy1]

I'm not familiar with the area but agree looking on google maps. Either something at Blyth Beach or a social club /pub in Newsham town it looks like based on what i can see?

Or ask a driver to stop for a few minutes if the times work and toilets on board? Or is it RRB?

 

[Neilandrewhall]

They're all minibuses tomorrow.

 

[speedy1]

Get a driver to drive you to Blythe beach? Only 5 mins each way. Seems like various restaurants/cafes open at least 9-6 tomorrow

 

[Neilandrewhall]

Get a driver to drive you to Blythe beach? Only 5 mins each way. Seems like various restaurants/cafes open at least 9-6 tomorrow

Thanks speedy appreciate it

 

[stuartn]

Blyth Ridley Park, open 8am to 6pm according to Northumberland County Council- 2 miles away (5 minutes by taxi). So you should get there and back between the xx.16 and xx.53 buses.

 

[62484GlenLyon]

Would your employer say the same thing to a female employee?

What about all the other issues that come under the health and safety at work heading - e.g. shelter and a rest area for work breaks in your 8 hour shift, a proper place of safety where you can isolate yourself if anybody bothers you. Will you have an official contact you will be able to phone if have any problems? I think the employer's attitude is appalling. You shouldn't be abandoned in an unfamiliar place and simply told you are on your own, so tough luck.

 

[Neilandrewhall]

Would your employer say the same thing to a female employee?

What about all the other issues that come under the health and safety at work heading - e.g. shelter and a rest area for work breaks in your 8 hour shift, a proper place of safety where you can isolate yourself if anybody bothers you. Will you have an official contact you will be able to phone if have any problems? I think the employer's attitude is appalling. You shouldn't be abandoned in an unfamiliar place and simply told you are on your own, so tough luck

Apparently there is seating at Newsham and a bus shelter with seats in. Tbh I'm surprised northern want staff there.

 

[DannyBoy]

Hi! Depending on time of shift, Blyth Town's clubhouse could be an option. It's about a 5-10 minute walk in each direction, and unfortunately there's no opening times on their website, but if you had time between departures, I'd imagine they'll be open during the day (they don't have a match tomorrow, but at the least they may have room hires)

 

[Dr Hoo]

I’m slightly surprised by this thread. When the upgrade works were taking place at Grindleford-Dore & Totley some local trains were terminating at Hope (“working to point of obstruction” and then pilot working back to the crossover at Earle’s Sidings). So we had bus interchange at Hope (not ideal with an inaccessible footbridge). Oddly enough TransPennine seemed to provide the supervision.

Anyway, the point is that a mobile welfare unit was hired in for the duration of the work. Why is this not done by Northern at Newsham?

 

[ainsworth74]

Does your employer not have a duty to ensure you have access to toilet facilities?!?

They do:

Temporary worksites​

You must provide flushing toilets and running water, for example with a portable toilet. If this is not possible, use alternatives such as chemical toilets and water containers.

Using public toilets and washing facilities should be a last resort and not because they are a cheaper option. This would not be acceptable if it is possible to provide facilities on-site.

Have the right toilets and washing facilities - HSE

Employers must provide adequate toilets and wash facilities for those expected to use them. You must always consider the needs of those with disabilities.

www.hse.gov.uk

 

[stuartn]

Well, ARTS are also providing the co-ordinators for the Whitehaven tunnel bus replacements- 1 at Whitehaven and 1 at Corkickle. The one at Whitehaven is all right with the station building (when it's open- 0545 when lucky to 1830), Tesco and Wetherspoons. But there are no facilities at Corkickle (for what will now be a nearly 3 year assignment). One of the regular co-ordinators at Corkickle is using their personal camper van.

 

[Neilandrewhall]

I’m slightly surprised by this thread. When the upgrade works were taking place at Grindleford-Dore & Totley some local trains were terminating at Hope (“working to point of obstruction” and then pilot working back to the crossover at Earle’s Sidings). So we had bus interchange at Hope (not ideal with an inaccessible footbridge). Oddly enough TransPennine seemed to provide the supervision.

Anyway, the point is that a mobile welfare unit was hired in for the duration of the work. Why is this not done by Northern at Newsham?

Northern is your answer

 

[WesternLancer]

Northern is your answer

So one government organisation, Northern, happy to ignore the guidelines or requirements set out by another govt run organisation (HSE) as quoted above.
Unimpressive.

 

[Amos]

If you are a trade union member I would seek your rep’s advice. If you aren’t a member it might be worth considering joining one.

 

[AlterEgo]

This is exactly why people should join a union.

 

[Dr Hoo]

It’s also exactly why nationalised Northern should do the same thing as nationalised TransPennine. GBR is going to publish a Rolling Stock Strategy, Track Access Strategy and so on. Why can’t it make an early start with a Mobile Welfare Unit Strategy?
Attached photo shows mobile welfare unit at Hope (Derbyshire) station in July 2022.