A multi-million pound project to remove historic industrial waste from a popular Northumbrian beach is set to get under way.
Northumberland County Council say the “final stages” of preparation are underway ahead of the major project to tackle the pollution on the coast at Lynemouth. A total of £5 million has been allocated to clean up the stretch of coastline, with the aim of stopping the waste deposits from washing into the sea.
Dangerous chemicals including asbestos have been uncovered following spells of poor weather that caused erosion on the coastline. A temporary bridge is currently being assembled and craned into position to allow construction traffic access to the north side of the River Lyne.
Where did these chemicals come from? The article doesn’t make it clear. I’m assuming manufacturing or something similar.
It seems that it is a historic colliery spoil tip location but was also used for other waste, both legally and illegally. Details here (PDF)