Beach barrier fate pondered after 2,000 responses

Temporary barriers were placed on Blyth beach promenade where shifting sands have been creating steep drops

The fate of a temporary safety barrier on a popular beach is being considered after more than 2,000 responses were received during a consultation.

Northumberland County Council installed red and white plastic block barriers on Blyth beach promenade to prevent the risk of falls due to shifting sand heights on the beach.

Some residents said they wanted it removed because it was attracting vermin and was unsightly and should be replaced with a permanent safety barrier.

The Conservative-led local authority said it was considering 2,000 responses and 954 written statements before deciding on the next steps.

It 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.

Conservative South Blyth Councillor Daniel Carr said: "Storms over the past few years have changed the sand levels dramatically.

"In Storm Arwen the sand was spilling over the promenade and the recent Storm Ciaran left us with this significant drop."

The council also asked people for their views on colours for the railings for a permanent barrier

The temporary blocks have been labelled an "eyesore" by local resident, Beverley Hunter, who lives near the beach.

The 62-year-old said the blocks were full of "stale water" and made the unspoilt beach look "hideous".

She said she hoped the council would replace them with a permanent barrier.

"There should be something permanent there, there's lots of places on coastlines where they have got really nice railings.

"The beach is very important to local people and it is important to me, I love it, I live here now and make the most of it."

Some residents said on social media that the barriers were attracting rats and expressed concerns over the steps leading down from the promenade.

Mrs Hunter said: "The whole area needs a bit of a tidy up as well as this barrier, because the access to the beach down the steps is hazardous.

"The council needs to spend time and money making it safer."

The public consultation, which ended on 1 November, asked for views on a permanent barrier along the promenade and suggestions for the style and colour of railings.

Northumberland County Council has been approached for comment.

Carr said the response to the public consultation showed just how much the beach meant to residents.

"It's one of Blyth's best features and no surprise that residents want to protect its heritage and character," he said.

"At the same time I understand the council's responsibility to protect people from injury.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the analysed results in due course."