HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds are being spent on replacing eroding railings at Clevedon's seafront.

North Somerset Council is spending £270,000 installing new railings along the entire stretch of the promenade to replace existing ones near the slipway which have eroded.

Although the majority are in a good condition, the council says to maintain the look it is replacing all the railings, those which have not eroded will be reused at Salthouse Fields.

A council spokesman said: "The new system comprises epoxy resin cased posts, which look like cast iron, with rails and in-fill panels that have marine grade galvanising. These new railings will look the same as the existing ones do."

The new railings will also be higher than the existing ones at 1.15 metres, to keep up to date with current legislation.

This news was welcomed by the parents of a Clevedon man who died after falling over the railings in 2005.

Nick Wring died on October 9, a week after falling over the ornate balustrade onto rocks near Clevedon pier following a night out with friends.

An inquest into his death at Flax Bourton Coroners Court in 2008 recorded a verdict of accidental death, but the coroner Brian Whitehouse raised concerns about the height of the railings.

Later that year, Nick's parents Sheralyn and Keith urged councillors to stop such a tragedy happening again by installing higher railings.

Sheralyn, who is involved with Clevedon Pride, said: "We are very pleased that the railings are being replaced, whatever the reason given, and hope this will prevent a similar accident happening."

The work, which started earlier this month, is expected to be finished by the Easter bank holiday weekend.