Work to repair a section of Seaham promenade will begin next week after an overnight collapse.

The southern section of the promenade, near to Featherbed Rocks, has been closed by Durham County Council following the incident on Thursday, November 21.

The collapse has resulted in a large opening in the promenade deck - with pictures online showing the gaping hole and the sunken concrete, which has been left facing upwards at an angle. 

The reason behind the collapse is not yet known. 

A special contractor is being brought in to initially remove the unstable deck slabs and then begin to inspect the wider promenade.

(Image: DCC) The southern section will remain closed during the work but the rest of the promenade will be open.

The incident follows a period of stormy weather across the North East, with snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures being common across this week. 

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A Durham County Council spokesperson said: "Beginning next week a specialist contractor will start work to repair the damaged area of the Seaham Promenade, this will initially involve removing the remaining unstable deck slabs allowing safe access to inspect the base of the sea wall.

"The southern section of the promenade between the steps to North Road and Featherbed rocks will remain closed for the duration of the works. Initial assessment and inspection of the wider promenade has indicated that this is very localised damage affecting only areas within the closure.

"The rest of the promenade and all pedestrian access points will remain open however the public should be aware of heavy plant and machinery travelling along the promenade for short periods during the day."