Storm Babet damaged Browns Bay railings to be replaced

Dozens of coastal barriers at Brown's Bay were brought down during Storm Babet

Coastal barriers will be repaired at the end of next month, following damage caused last October by Storm Babet.

North Tyneside Council has confirmed that railings lost from Brown's Bay, between Whitley Bay and Cullercoats, will be replaced in May.

The popular dog-walking site has been closed to the public since the storm.

The local authority said the work will "improve the look and feel of the bay and once again provide safe access".

Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I know lots of people made enquiries about this, particularly dog walkers.

"I am so pleased that the council has been able to sort out the replacement of these railings which has been long overdue, I think around six months."

The railings appeared to have rusted and become damaged over time

Storm Babet raged across the country between 18 and 21 October last year, bringing winds of over 58mph (93km/h) to North East England and much of Scotland.

A number of number of coastal barriers along Brown's Bay were knocked down by high winds and waves, then temporary barriers were swept away as the poor weather continued.

Residents said Storm Babet brought the biggest waves they had ever seen in the area

A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said work to replace the railings at Brown's Bay will begin at the end of May, along with repairs to some other coastal railings.

"The work will improve the look and feel of the bay and once again provide safe access for members of the public," they said.