Plans explored to rebuild island causeway

St Mary's Lighthouse was built in 1898

Options are being explored to rebuild an ageing causeway to an island and lighthouse.

North Tyneside Council said it is considering whether it can rebuild the 900ft (274m) link to St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay following last year's £900,000 restoration of the lighthouse which was built in 1898.

Deputy mayor Carl Johnson said the causeway was the gateway to one of the area's "best loved landmarks" and the council wanted to "secure its future".

The local authority said parts of the causeway were beginning to deteriorate despite being repaired and resurfaced several times.

It said any future works would need to be carefully planned due to the location in a protected conservation area.

The site is home to wildlife such as grey seals, oyster catchers and golden plovers.

No funding or permissions for the plans has been secured yet.