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Â鶹ÊÓƵ and partners are carrying out the annual sand levelling and seafront clean-up works ahead of a busy summer season in South Shields.

The sand clearance and beach reinstatement work involve both mechanical and manual methods of moving wind swept sand from footpaths and redistributing it back onto the beach.

The Council has also been undertaking clean-up activities in the Amphitheatre at Sandhaven, which this month regained the prestigious Blue Flag award - quality mark for beaches.

This has included a deep clean of the paving, walkways and entertainment area repairing tiles, draining and refreshing the water fountain, painting seats and installing new litter bins.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Transport and Neighbourhoods, said: "Working with South Tyneside Homes, we are carrying out our annual sand clearance and beach reinstatement works along the foreshore in anticipation of the summer months ahead.

"This involves the mechanical clearance of sand which has built up over the winter months along our promenades and pathways as well as beach levelling to redistribute sand along the full length of our beaches.

"This is necessary as winter storms move sand up the beach. In addition to this, our beaches are cleaned daily.

"These works help us to make sure our seafront is looking at its very best, not only for our residents, but for the thousands of people expected to descend on South Shields this summer." 

Visitors to beaches are asked to be vigilant regarding moving machinery while works are underway and to dispose of their litter responsibly.

Councillor Gibson added: "We would also encourage people to support us by disposing of their litter in the bins provided or taking it home with them.

"Litter, particularly plastics, has a detrimental impact on our natural environment and discarded cans and bottles can cause injury. Seabirds and marine wildlife can also eat litter thinking it is food, with devastating consequences."

The works being carried out support the Council's community priority of investing in the natural and built environment.