Shields Ferry reopens as landing repairs cost confirmed after storm damage
Emergency repairs to the Shields Ferry are thought to have cost almost £250,000.
The ferry service between North and South Shields reopened today (Monday) after being out of action since late January due to damage to its north landing during Storm Chandra.
Bosses at operator Nexus have now confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the cost to the public purse of the repairs is expected to be around £245,000.
A new landing closer to the North Shields Fish Quay is due to open in 2027, at a cost of £24 million, to replace the current site at Smiths Dock.
John Fenwick, Director of Finance and Resources at Nexus, said: “We are awaiting final confirmation of costs for the repair works caused by the recent storm at the North Shields Ferry landing, however, the agreed budget for this work is £245,000.
“The Shields Ferry is an essential and much-loved local transport link and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the north landing is repaired so that crossings can resume as usual.”
The North Shields ferry landing, which was modernised in 2004, suffered damage to bolts connecting it to a walkway in the January storm.
Its condition has been a source of concern for some time, with repeated warnings over recent years that the ferry was at risk of permanent closure if a replacement could not be built.
Nexus said on Thursday that new monitoring equipment has been installed to “observe any noticeable movement and will identify if any future temporary suspensions of the service need to happen”.
Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, said on Thursday: “As always, safety is our top priority and we’re confident we’re in a place to welcome back the public. However, the landing remains an aged asset. The work we’ve carried out prolongs its use, but people can be reassured we are keeping a very close eye on the structure using this monitoring equipment.
“My thanks go to our customers and the wider community that the ferry serves for their patience during the service suspension. The Shields Ferry is a vital local transport link. It’s great to restore the service in time for the bank holiday weekend and the summer.”