Cat Nab safety fears.

Cat Nab Hill is a favourite place for hundreds of families to visit each year, but fears have now emerged that the hill may be becoming unsafe.

Redcar and Cleveland Council and Saltburn Parish Council are now set to hold talks to discuss possible safety improvements.

John Clark is among those who have visited the site recently and raised concerns over its safety.

Mr Clark, of Willow Drive, Normanby said: “The summit of the hill is very eroded and worn, resulting in a very steep drop.

As children may be seen regularly playing there, it would seem advisable for the top third of the hill to be permanently fenced off for their protection, allowing the rest of the hill to be used as a viewing and picnic area. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Saltburn parish councillor Jim Wingham, 72, has lived in Saltburn for 42 years and knows the hill well.

He will now raise the issue at the parish council, with a view to asking Redcar and Cleveland Council to take remedial action.

This could include planting Siberian grasses to stabilise the hill top.

However, Cllr Wingham would oppose any move to permanently fence off the summit of the hill, which he says is a “local icon”, enjoyed by hundreds of people every year.

He said: “I have taken my children and grandchild up there, but Mr Clark’s photos show the erosion is very bad now.
It’s a local landmark and a great vantage point. There are some steps, but they were never completed. It’s a great natural viewing point.
Local folklore says it was named after wild cats which used to live there many years ago. There are also ancient burials on the south side which have been investigated by archaeologists.
It’s very popular and a lot of people go up there, but I would like to see it protected rather than isolated by fencing. Children need to climb hills and trees and learn about life.
But it’s going to be a problem if it gets worse.”

Helen McLuckie, Cabinet member for highways and planning said the authority would liaise with the parish council to identify what and where the problem is and continue to work with them in finding a solution once the problem areas have been identified.