Safety fears close seafront pub

A coastal pub which is built into a seafront cave has been ordered to close because of safety fears.

Fire officers ordered the Marsden Grotto in South Shields to close because some cliff steps used for access are in need of repair.

South Tyneside Council, which is responsible for the steps, says it is working to rectify the situation.

But the pub's owners say they have had to lay off 22 people and are unsure when they can reopen.

Oxford Hotels and Inns, which owns the pub said it now fears laid off staff may find other jobs.

Spokesman Stuart Graham said: "That would be unfortunate, but we understand they have to look after their own interests.

"Their jobs are available when we are allowed to reopen."

Repairs need to be done to steps leading to the pub

A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: "Marsden Grotto is a unique part of South Tyneside, and is very important to tourism in the borough.

"While the loss of jobs at the pub is regrettable, this is a matter for the employer.

"Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has prohibited the pub from opening because the premises has inadequate means of fire escape.

"The works necessary to bring the stairway back into use have already been identified in a structural engineers' report.

"The council is working closely with specialist contractors, and a detailed scheme is being drawn up to both repair the steps and protect the public from potential rock-fall."