AN average of 49 lifebelts are stolen or vandalised each year at one of the region's most popular seaside resorts, it emerged yesterday.

The lifebelts are situated along the seafront at Scarborough and are designed and located for life-saving use in emergencies.

But an inquest heard this week how a belt that could have been used to save the lives of a mother and her two children had been stolen by vandals.

Coroner Michael Oakley branded those responsible for taking the lifebelt as "mindless" as he recorded verdicts of accidental death of Kim Barrett, 33, and her children, Luke and Aimee, aged 11 and 13.

Ms Barrett and Aimee had been trying to rescue Luke after he was dragged into the sea by the waves in March this year when they too were swept in.

By the time rescuers got another lifebelt, it was too late.

He also called on the local council to consider increasing the number of lifebelts along the front and to review the way they are monitored.

The coroner also called on the council to erect a barrier to prevent access to the slipway where the tragedy took place, calling it an invitation for anyone to venture down to the sea.

Yesterday, Scarborough Borough Council pledged to look closely at all the recommendations - but warned they could raise other safety issues.

Chief executive John Trebble said the lifebelts along the seafront were always checked regularly - weekly during the winter and daily during the busy summer season.

However, officials will now look into what can be done to strengthen the existing arrangements - particularly out of the main season.

Mr Trebble added: "The problem we face is one of vandalism and theft, not only of the lifebelts but often of their housing too, and in recent years an average of 49 such replacements a year were made."

He said that putting a barrier across the slipway raised other important safety points which would have to be looked at.

They include the fact that the slipway, on the Marine Drive, is an important means of escape from the beach at high tide and the council must ensure that people have a way off the beach at all times.

"There are also other issues around access for emergency vehicles - but we will consider carefully the suggestion made by the coroner."