PARTS of Hartlepool’s crumbling coastline could disappear into the sea unless millions of pounds in funding can be found to make essential repairs.

Experts have described the condition of some sections of the coastline as the worst they have ever seen, with piers, walls, footpaths and steps all under threat of collapse.

Hartlepool Council has an annual budget of £320,000 to maintain and repair breaches to coastal defences but the estimated bill to carry out the major repair work stands at a staggering £41m. (more…)