A £14 MILLION scheme to stop a historic spa and part of Scarborough's South Cliff falling into the sea has been backed by North Yorkshire County Council.

The work comes more than 20 years after the dramatic collapse of the Holbeck Hall Hotel just a mile further along the cliff top. The 120 year old luxury Victorian hotel fell 150 feet to the beach below after a massive landslip on the heavy clay cliffs.

Now there is concern that the Spa complex, which is a Grade II listed theatre and conference venue, is at risk, along with nearby homes, hotels and businesses.

The Environment Agency is putting up £10.3 million for work to stabilise the cliffs. A further £4 million is needed to cover financial risks and North Yorkshire County Council has agreed to put up £1.2 million from reserves.

Council leader Cllr Carl Les said it was a major issue of vital importance to public safety.

“Over the years we have seen many incidents in which the boulder clay that makes up much of the North Yorkshire coastline has been compromised and become unstable, sometimes with disastrous consequences, such as the destruction of Holbeck Hall Hotel in June1993,” he said.

“Huge advances have been made in monitoring and understanding the way our coastline is affected by storms and by the day to day impact of our climate, which has led to significant investment in locations all along the North Yorkshire coast so that residents remain safe and property is protected wherever possible.

“Securing the safety of The South Cliff is a priority and the county council is glad to be able to play a part in this vital project."