Work has begun to improve and preserve access to a South Tyneside coastal attraction.

Work is starting on the construction of new timber and steel stairs, which will see the Redwell access to Marsden Bay reinstated this winter.

The lower section of the original concrete Redwell steps was demolished last autumn due to the impact of ongoing natural erosion affecting their stability.

Now the area will benefit from the creation of a safer, more sustainable access, with the works commencement scheduled at this time to avoid the bird breeding and nesting seasons.

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Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, at South Tyneside Council, said: "It is great to see work starting on the new Redwell route to Marsden Bay.

"This marks a key milestone in what has been a carefully planned project to improve and preserve access to the beach, while remaining sympathetic to this coastal environment which continues to be extremely vulnerable to erosion and is home to seabird colonies."

The £289,000 scheme to build the steps forms part of the wider £575,000 Marsden Bay Improvement Project - a partnership between South Tyneside Council and the National Trust and part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund under the SeaScapes project.

Improvements included the demolition of the disused, dilapidated former lifeguard station and canoe store, which due to serious coastal erosion was at an increasing risk of collapse.