Drivers 'risk lives' on causeway

Holy Island causeway is under water at high tide

Measures to prevent motorists risking their lives at high tide on Holy Island causeway are being discussed.

It follows two major call-outs in the space of a few hours with a family of four having to be winched to safety on Tuesday after ignoring warning signs.

And 12 hours later the coastguard was again alerted over two teenagers whose car had become stuck in sand.

Local people are invited to share views and suggestions at a Northumberland County Council event on Friday.

Ian Clayton, lifeboat operations manager at Seahouses said there had been eight rescues in less than a year.

'Losing money'

"Every time the inshore lifeboat is called out it costs the RNLI approximately £1,500.

"The crews have never complained, but the lads that are available during the week are self-employed so they're away when they are volunteering and losing money."

He added that the majority of the visitors do not cause any problems, it was just a few who ignored the warning signs.

Dick Fraser, head of highways policy for Northumberland County Council, said: "Many of those who find themselves cut off by the tide are from outside the area and do not have knowledge of how quickly it can come in.

"We're hoping for a good attendance at the meeting.

"Hopefully local people will come along and share their own expertise and experiences on this issue."