COASTAL communities in the North-East are to benefit from a share of £36m of Government cash to improve facilities for visitors.

Seaside resorts around the region are being upgraded with the money being made available by the Coastal Communities Fund.

Seaham Harbour Marina in County Durham is getting £1.7m to continue the regeneration of the town by creating new watersports facilities, an improved boatyard with 23 extra berths, and improved access to the beach and local amenities, creating 70 jobs.

Peter Coe, Director of Seaham Harbour Marina said: “The award is excellent news for the town. The funds will also provide advice and support to local businesses and new start ups with the aim of creating 70 new jobs and ensuring that the marina is financially self sustaining as well as accelerating the regeneration plans of the town and benefitting the wider ex-coalfield community.”

Scarborough’s historic market will get £2.7m to refurbish the market and create space for 30 new businesses creating more than 80 jobs and apprenticeships.

North Tyneside Council is in line for £2m to help with the regeneration of Whitley Bay, including the final restoration of the Grade II listed Spanish City Dome, creating 69 jobs.

Meanwhile in Redcar the catering academy is receiving £900,000 to provide training and create 55 jobs, 64 apprenticeships and 300 training places.

Councillor Olwyn Peters, of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “The Kirkleatham Estate in Redcar is one of the area’s most prized assets and this funding announcement is fantastic news because it provides us with the opportunity to enhance and develop what we have to offer to visitors as well as creating welcomed apprenticeship, training and job opportunities for local people.

“The council and its partners can now start to realise the vision for Kirkleatham and return the historic walled garden to its former glory as well as creating a catering academy, quality restaurant and exhibition space.”

The North York Moors National Park Authority receives £455,000 to boost tourism along its coastline by showcasing nature, fishing, cul;inary heritage, arts and traditional crafs. The cash will support 100 businesses and create 24 jobs.

Sunderland City Council is getting £540,000 to create a year round programme of events and attractions at Sunderland seafront to attract more visitors and improve infrastructure and training for local businesses, supporting 60 local businesses and creating 38 jobs.

The Port of Blyth in Northumberland has been awarded £500,000 to create a modern vocational centre for engineering and offshore training, as well as training in water sports for visitors and local community organisations, in Blyth, creating seven jobs.