Cliff steps to be replaced almost year on

Work costing £600,000 to replace a cliff access route is to start almost a year since its closure.

The steps at Marsden Bay in South Shields were shut last December after an inspection found safety concerns.

Although council-owned, the steps also acted as an emergency escape route for beach bar and restaurant Marsden Grotto when the tide is in, meaning its operation was affected by the closure.

South Tyneside Council said the work would start in November and was expected to be completed by spring.

The Reform-UK council's portfolio holder for highways Karen Pittuck said the authority knew how important the steps were as an access route for the public and for Marsden Grotto.

She said: "This is a challenging coastal location and it has been important that we took the time needed to properly assess the condition of the steps and develop a safe and lasting solution.

"The new structure has been designed to withstand the harsh coastal conditions while helping to minimise the need for ongoing repairs and maintenance."

Marsden Bay can still be accessed via the Redwell Bank steps when tide conditions allow.

The council said the coastal location meant the steps would be exposed to storm tides and erosion.

A spokesperson said: "The construction work itself will not be affected by tides. However, as cranes will be required as part of the work, progress will be weather-dependent and operations may need to pause during periods of high winds."

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