New railings which have given St Mary’s Island a facelift have drawn a raft of compliments from visitors.
The railings have been installed along a stretch of the headland and it’s provided a fresh, new look on the walkway on the approach to the lighthouse.
The railings are painted in the historic colours used for Whitley Bay street furniture - and they have already been impressing visitors.
Some of the comments which have been received so far include:
“It looks fantastic and it was about time that this got done.”
“It enhances the view to the lighthouse.”
“Wow!! It looks great.”
The aim is to encourage more people to the area by giving that stretch of the coastline a boost.
Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I’m very impressed by the new railings which look really smart. They’ve made a huge difference and I hope the new design gives people even more reason to take a trip to our beautiful coast.”
The work has been carried out by the council’s partner Kier North Tyneside.
Mike Furze, Kier Regional Director, said: “We’re proud of our work installing new railings at St Mary’s Island which will offer real, significant benefits to tourist visitors to the area and the residents of North Tyneside.”
The railings complement the wider improvements taking place along the coast at Whitley Bay as part of North Tyneside Council’s £36m Seafront Master Plan.
The project includes the ongoing work to restore the Spanish City Dome to its former glory, public realm works at Northern Promenade, a scheme to strengthen and safeguard sea defences at Central Lower Promenade and various private sector investments, including a new Premier Inn hotel and housing developments.
Also included in the Master Plan are proposals to restore St Mary’s Lighthouse and create new educational spaces, subject to a funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Fund out more about the Seafront Master Plan at http://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/642/coastal-regeneration
