North Tyneside Council is continuing to investigate damage to a fallen section of the lower promenade opposite Ocean View in Whitley Bay, with the ramp remaining closed to the public.
The local authority said it is still too early to announce timescales or the cost of the restoration work needed.
Council statement on closure
When approached for an update, the council 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 authority announced through its Facebook page on October 30 that it was aware of the damage and that its own teams were on site.
Councillor calls for priority repair
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.”
Separate causeway fund reserved
The news of the fallen promenade section came a day after it was reported that the council has reserved almost £2m to restore and refurbish the causeway leading to St Mary’s Lighthouse.
The concrete causeway stretches 900ft and links the Brierdene car park to the island, and is used by more than 100,000 visitors a year. It has undergone previous repairs and resurfacing, but sections have now deteriorated.
