A LEGAL expert has claimed that the traditional activity of sea coaling is illegal and should not get in the way of coastline protection schemes.

Hartlepool Borough Council has faced objections from sea coalers to its plans to build a wave wall and promenade, near Newburn Bridge in the town.

The plans would block access to the seafront which, it is hoped, would preserve the area.

Sea coalers claim they have a right of access to the foreshore to carry out their work, which involves driving heavy vehicles on to the beach.

But the council's chief solicitor, Tony Brown, has written to the objectors claiming they have no right to take coal from the sea front.

He said: "There is no right of public vehicular access to the foreshore at the point of the proposed works - or at all.

"Any such access to the beach is lawful only when afforded by licence of the owner, whether the Crown or any other body.

"The council controls the foreshore at the point of the proposed works, and no licence for access, public or private, has been granted.

"I am aware that local collectors of sea coal claim a right to access to the foreshore for the purpose of their activities.

"I am satisfied that any such claim is entirely ill-founded and there is no judicial authority, and that no common law rights of collection of sea coal exist. Any unauthorised removal is unlawful."

The council hopes the sea coalers will withdraw their objections once they have received Mr Brown's letter but, if they do not, the matter will go to the Secretary of State.

For many years, people living in Hartlepool have complained about sea coalers, who collect dumped coal and other materials from beaches, to sell.

Residents have repeatedly called for the practice to be banned, saying the sea coalers cause more harm than good.

But sea coalers claim they keep the beaches clean by removing coal dumped by industry, and they insist they need to continue their work to provide an income for their families.

The proposals for the Newburn Bridge area are part of a coastal protection scheme.