Steps to beach to be removed over safety concerns

Steps onto a beach are being removed after a council said coastal erosion had made them unsafe.

An inspection concluded the top of the steps at Cambois beach was at risk of coming loose, as much of the bank beneath had been washed away in recent storms.

Local Labour councillor Alex Wallace called the decision "disappointing".

Northumberland County Council said there were two other access routes to the beach.

“It will mean some people have to walk further to get onto the beach but we have to put people’s safety first," Mr Wallace said.

“Of course we’d like to see the steps replaced but this erosion is happening all along the coast and all these repairs cost a lot of money at a time when budgets are very tight.

"I’ll be trying as hard as I can to get a replacement but I can’t see it happening any time soon,” he added.

Karen Brotherton, 52, from Blyth, grew up in Cambois and walks on the beach several times a week.

She said the other access paths were "really awkward".

"With the high tides there are loads of huge boulders now to get over and the other car parks get so busy," she added.

"The steps need to remain, they look solid, I don't see why they have to be removed."

The council has been approached by the BBC for further comment.

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