COASTAL projects in North Yorkshire are to benefit from nearly £2million worth of extra funding.

North Yorkshire County Council has agreed to allocate the additional money towards vital remedial work on Whitby piers along with a major coastal protection scheme at South Cliff, Scarborough.

The council’s executive agreed to the investment to ensure the priority project goes ahead. The council had already made a £1.2m contribution in 2015 towards the South Cliff work, but further assessment by Scarborough Borough Council has led to an increase in the expected cost.

In addition, Scarborough Council has requested a contribution to remedial work on Whitby piers and the £1.9m agreed is towards both schemes, taking North Yorkshire’s share of the funding up to £3.1m.

Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “The borough council is the primary authority for coastal defences, but due to the scale of the work required for these crucial schemes we have agreed to give this essential funding to help make up the shortfall in the multi-million pound works. The Whitby pier and Scarborough South Cliff infrastructures are critically important to our shared communities.’’

Whitby County Councillor David Chance, who is Executive Member for Stronger Communities, said: “This is excellent news as both schemes are vital to the coastal area. It is crucial that funding is in place to allow these projects to progress.’’

Scalby County Councillor Derek Bastiman, who is also leader of Scarborough Borough Council, said: “I very much welcome the decision of the Executive to commit significant funding contributions to these two vital schemes for Whitby and Scarborough. It clearly demonstrates the importance of county and district councils working in partnership to protect the area’s infrastructure and environment for the benefit of local residents and businesses.”

Whitby County Councillor Joe Plant said: ”This is great news for Whitby. It is not long ago that the council leader agreed to help with this vital project and hopefully now work can start in the New Year. I appreciate NYCC’s support and contribution to make sure this much needed work goes ahead.’’