A new community group as vowed to restore the Newgate Gap shelter in Cliftonville after the council withdrew plans to demolish the roof.

Friends of Cliftonville Coastline (FOCC) spent last week clearing the area after a meeting with councillors and residents took place to discuss the future of the site.

Last Sunday fencing was secured to prevent further vandalism and a crowdfunding campaign will be set up to raise money for its restoration.

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The group have taken over the reigns from A Better Cliftonville (ABC) who spent five years trying to secure the land from Thanet council so they could apply for funding.

At the time the land was used as leverage for potential buyers of the Lido site meaning the shelter was not transferred.

Since then the roof of the Edwardian structure has become irreparable and unsafe so will eventually have to be removed.

Plans for the shelter included a living garden and community space.

Amelia Gregory, spokesperson, said: "Friends of Cliftonville Coastline aims to breathe love into our beautiful and unique heritage coast for residents and visitors starting with the Newgate Gap Sea Shelter. Over the coming weeks we will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to renovate the shelter."