THE £1m pier restoration project for Saltburn has suffered a setback caused by serious storm damage to the legs which support the head of the structure.

The local council has been told these must be replaced - or the pier head will have to be pulled down.

Work on restoring the Victorian pier began in June after a £995,000 grant was awarded by the heritage lottery fund. The pier head was not included in the project as it was added only in 1978.

The damage puts the whole scheme in jeopardy as the pier cannot be reopened until the head is either secured or destroyed.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has applied for a further £264,000 from the lottery fund to save the head, and a decision is expected next month.

If it gets the money, the council will have several options, but officials want to avoid cut price measures and have the pier head rebuilt to match ongoing restoration work. This would cost £385,000.

In a report to councillors, the director of economy and environment, Dr Joan Rees, said: "Substantial funding has already been secured for the restoration of Saltburn pier which is seen as a key asset in promoting the town as a visitor destination.

"However, the value of the restoration scheme will be severely curtailed if the structural problems which have come to light are not addressed. Indeed, the pier cannot be reopened to the public without remedial measures to either restore the pier head or remove it and make good the severed end.

"The favoured best value for money option will provide a new pier head in keeping with the existing structure, greatly enhancing the attractiveness of the pier as a recreational and heritage asset.

"Cheaper options have been identified, but these will still require substantial additional funding in delivering a result which is inferior in terms of both design and durability."

The council's special policy and resources committee meets today to discuss injecting £50,000 into the project