Council investigates promenade damage in Whitley Bay

North Tyneside Council is looking into the repair works needed to restore a fallen section of the lower promenade, opposite Ocean View in Whitley Bay.

It remains too early at this stage to announce timescales or the cost of the restoration.

When approached for an update, the local authority stated: “We’re still investigating alongside engineers. The ramp remains closed and we’d advise anyone going to the beach to stay away from the immediate area.

“The beach can still be accessed using the steps to the north on the prom and an accessible access is available at Watts Slope, just north of the Spanish City.”

The local authority announced through its Facebook page that it was aware of the damage to the ramp on October 30 and that its own teams were on site.

Whitley Bay North councillor Joe Kirwin said: “Repairing our precious Prom needs to be a top priority for all involved. Residents campaigned for decades for our seafront to be regenerated.

“Whitley Bay Beach is the jewel in the crown of North Tyneside and we can’t let those hard-won investments go to waste.”

The news of the fallen portion of promenade came just a day after the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that the council has reserved almost £2million to restore and refurbish the causeway leading to St Mary’s Lighthouse.

The concrete causeway, which stretches 900ft and links the Brierdene car park to the island, is used by more than 100,000 visitors a year.