FOLLOWING a clean-up of east Durham's coastline, moves are planned to provide better access to the long stretch of beaches.

The £10m Turning the Tide Project has transformed the coastline from a coal waste dumping ground to an environmental haven.

A working group appointed by Durham County Council has produced a report on how it plans to create new routes to the coastline, taking into account both conservation issues and landowners.

The report concentrates on eight main themes, including access for motor vehicles, particularly at Castle Eden, Denemouth and Warren House.

It also looks at bridleways and cycle routes, the provision of footpaths, tackling anti-social behaviour, other transport issues, litter and dog fouling, education, publicity and health.

In an introduction to the report, the chairman of the working group, Councillor Alan Barker, said: "With the improvements to our beaches, it is all the more important we consider how the coastline can now be developed for leisure and amenity purposes for both local people and visitors.

"We have some of the most deprived wards in the east of Durham and better access to the coast can provide healthy exercise and activities.

"However, enhanced access brings with it the requirement to consider how we balance the needs of visitors with conservation in a sustainable way."

The purpose of the working group's investigation, Coun Barker said, was to consider the issues and to talk to those who use the coast or have interests in it, so that opportunities for greater access could be developed.

Among the specific moves being looked at are the upgrading of existing footpaths and routes to the coast. The working group has also looked at the what methods of transport people used to reach the district.

The recommendations from the scrutiny group will be submitted to Durham County Council's cabinet for consideration.