South Tyneside Council is developing plans to move a popular coastal path further inland to protect the route from erosion. Whitburn Coastal Path runs around 2.25 km along the coastline from the Whitburn Nature Reserve to Whitburn Bents.
Due to the “soft landscape” which is “ very easily eroded ” and caves forming along the coastline, council officers are looking to prolong the lifespan of the coastal path and improve its safety. The proposed scheme, which was presented to councillors and members of the public for information this week, includes “rolling back” the coastal path.
It is hoped that, subject to planning permission, work will start on the route later this year. “The rollback won’t be a significant distance,” said Michelle Hogg, the council’s operational manager for environmental protection.
