Collapsed promenade repairs completed

A section of a promenade which collapsed as a result of erosion has been repaired.

Part of the path along the seafront at Seaham, County Durham, had been fenced off after it was damaged overnight last November.

An investigation found a small section at the bottom of the structure's sea-facing wall had eroded, causing the partial collapse.

Durham County Council said repairs were now completed and the promenade would be reopened fully after new deck slabs were installed.

Mark Readman, the council's head of highways, said: "We are pleased to confirm that the necessary structural repairs are now complete and that we are planning to install new deck slabs within the next two weeks.

"Following this, we will fully reopen the promenade as soon as possible."

Mr Readman added checks before Christmas showed the damage was only in the area of the collapse, with the rest of the promenade "in good condition".

Repairs included reinforcing the sea wall with "a special concrete that can set even when underwater during high tide".

The closure is between the steps to North Road and Featherbed rocks.

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