A LEADING Fylde councillor has called for an urgent review after freak storms destroyed a large section of a seafront wall in Lytham.

Coun Alfred Jealous, of Fairhaven, was shocked to find that part of the wall between the Promenade and Fairhaven collapsed after being battered by rain and gale force winds, shortly before the New Year.

Speaking to the Citizen, Mr Jealous said: "This wall was one of our strongest sea defences in the borough and has been maintained in top condition for years.

"Having said this, despite the considerable money we have invested to prevent such accidents, freak weather conditions can and will still occur."

Also damaged in the storms was a part of the footpath and an electric cable was left exposed, although this is not said to be dangerous.

The area has been cordoned off from pedestrians until repair work begins.

Dennis Haig, principal engineer for Fylde Borough Council, insisted that the repairs "must be done within the next couple of weeks" and confirmed they will be carried out by Newfield Construction, who the council contract to repair the area's damaged sea defences.

When asked about the cost, Mr Haig could not comment but Coun Jealous said he believed that it would "be at least £5000".

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.