'Vertical pier' viewing platform closure criticised

The Beacon opened in 2013

The closure of part of a sea-front attraction described as a "vertical pier" has been criticised by residents.

Access to Redcar Beacon's viewing platform has been shut off for 18 months after teenagers climbed over safety barriers and threw objects at passers-by.

One resident called the decision "crazy" and said Redcar and Cleveland Council needed to "do something about the vandals rather than stopping everybody else from going up there".

The authority said the platform was open during school holidays "when security officers are in attendance to provide safety for visitors".

Cabinet member Carrie Richardson said: "Unfortunately, due to a small minority of people who have climbed over the railings, we have to take this extra precaution to keep people safe."

The 80ft (24m) Beacon opened in 2013 and houses a cocktail bar and community radio station.

During school holidays it offered "fantastic 360-degree views of the coastline and town, and at night the attraction lights up the promenade", Ms Richardson added.

Images of the youths clambering over safety barriers were passed to police

Residents and visitors on Redcar seafront said it was "disgraceful" the council had spent £1.6m on the attraction and then closed it.

They said the move was in response to the actions of only a small number of individuals but was affecting everyone, and there should be security to protect it all year round.

A resident, who did not want to give his name, contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service to say he had met two families who had come to the town with relatives to visit the Beacon, only to find it closed.

“They left, disappointed," he said.

"Doubtless thousands of others have done the same over the last 18 months."

The Beacon can be lit up at night

Last March, cabinet member Carl Quartermain complained about “zero progress” being made to allow access to the viewing platform.

He had been assured council officers were coming up with solutions when they had not, he said.

Residents have made suggestions including covering the viewing platform with glass screens and charging a small fee to deter troublemakers.

Redcar and Cleveland council said it was forced to close the viewing platform

Additional reporting by Damian O'Neil, BBC Look North, and Stuart Arnold, Local Democracy Reporting Service.