Flooding closes heritage centre

The centre offers an authentic 18th Century experience

Flooding has closed a popular Teesside visitor attraction, which recreates the sights and sounds of the smuggling trade from 200 years ago.

The Saltburn Smugglers' Heritage Centre is set in fishermens's cottages in the coastal town near Redcar.

Recent torrential downpours have led to flooding and extensive damage to buildings and some artefacts.

Redcar and Cleveland Council, which operates the centre, described the damage as "devastating".

The area's cliffs were often used as hiding places for smugglers and nearby wooded coves provided cover for off-loading cargo.

'No alternative'

The centre is to remain closed for the rest of the year, with plans to reopen in April 2009.

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "It is devastating that the damage caused by the floods has left us with no alternative but to close the attraction for the rest of the season.

"Over the past few weeks we have seen a real mix of weather and the recent heavy rainfall, caused unforeseen damage.

"We hope that once the work is complete over the coming months we will be able to welcome visitors back at the start of the next season in April 2009."

The centre attracts about 5,000 visitors a year.