Beach barrier plan ignites scenic v safety battle

Temporary barriers were placed on Blyth beach promenade where shifting sands can create steep drops

Plans to install a permanent safety barrier on a sand-depleted beach has led to strong debate over safety rules and spoiled views.

Northumberland County Council is consulting on plans for Blyth beach promenade and asking people to rank their preferences for the style and colour of potential railings.

Some residents have welcomed a replacement for the ugly temporary plastic barrier currently in place, while others have called it "health and safety culture overreach".

The Conservative-led council said storms in recent years had depleted sand levels meaning the height difference between the promenade and the sand was "severe in places" and posed a risk.

Blyth resident Beverley Hunter said the proposals were "great news" as the current red and white blocks put up over the last couple of years were an eyesore.

However, another resident posted on social media that the promenade had never required a barrier.

"Health and safety culture overreach in my opinion, not required and a waste of council money," he said.