Hundreds of tonnes of storm debris cleared

Sea foam covered the promenade at Seaburn when Storm Babet hit in October

More than 750 tonnes of debris has been removed from promenades and beaches in Sunderland after recent storms.

Much of the damage was caused during storms Babet and Ciarán, the city's council heard this week.

The authority mobilised tractors from across the area to remove the huge load of debris, Marc Morley, director of environmental services, said.

“What that did show was we could act quickly," he added.

“It was a significant response. We had to bring teams in from across the city.

“We had tractors from Hetton, we had tractors from Washington there, helping out on that recovery."

Pier closed

Last month, city leaders revealed damage to Roker Pier caused by Storm Babet could cost up to £300,000 to repair.

Huge waves and strong winds destroyed several metres of railings, with sections of decking around the pier’s lighthouse also washed into the sea.

Council bosses said the damage had left the area unsafe for the public and that the pier would remain closed “for some time”.

Repair work could take about 30 weeks to complete, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, as bespoke materials such as granite blocks are needed.