The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Piers stay shut with warning to trespassers
WORK ON LANDMARKS SET TO TAKE PLACE AFTER VANDALISM
TWO piers on the North East coast will remain closed over the summer months – and anyone who trespasses will be prosecuted.
Tynemouth Pier, on the North bank, and South Shields pier, on the South bank, have protected the River Tyne for more than 100 years.
They were originally built to shelter the mouth of the river from the full force of the sea and prevent ship wrecks but both piers have recently been subjected to storm damage and vandalism.
Recent vandalism, including defecation and theft, have damaged critical navigation equipment essential for the safety of the river.
Critical safety repairs now need to be carried out and to ensure safety for the public, and vessels using the river, both piers will remain closed throughout the summer period.
Port of Tyne has asked the public not to access the piers at any time and have said they are working with the police and will prosecute anyone who trespasses.
In a statement, Port of Tyne said: “We ask that the public do not access the Piers at any time for any purpose until these works are complete.
“Increasing incidents of trespassing are putting members of the public at significant risk of accident or death.
“Therefore, we are now forced to take stronger steps to prosecute trespassers in conjunction with the police.
“As you know, the North and South Piers are primarily a maritime aid, recent vandalism including defecation and theft have severely damaged critical navigation equipment essential for the safety of the river. This has added to the closure period.”
Port of Tyne has reassured residents that they aim to reopen the North and South piers as soon as possible.
The company added: “We recognise that the piers are an important landmark for the region and that members of the public enjoy using them.
“We want to reassure the local community that it is our aim to reopen the piers as soon as possible.
“We will begin to engage with the local community over the summer period to agree how we can create a safe, secure, and protected environment for the public, our river users and future generations.”