'It's dead' - Closing shop fires shots at South Tyneside Council over King Street woes

A veteran’s support group shutting up shop in South Tyneside’s premier retail street has fired a broadside at council chiefs – alleging they are not doing enough to support businesses.

Veterans Response CIC has accused them of lacking imagination and drive and said of South Shields’ once-booming King Street, “It’s dead.”

This comes hot on the heels of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claiming South Shields was a “town in decline”.

Founder Ian Driver, 60, claimed their best idea at a recent business meeting for rejuvenation was to install new seating and plant trees.

He instead believes they should be offering big-name retailers like Primark free business rates to get them to move in and trade.

The organisation was established in 2013 and closed its King Street used goods shop and offices last week, after almost three years.

Mr Driver admitted the building was in a poor state or repair but said another prime motivation for moving to new premises was a drop in footfall.

Veterans Response plans to re-open in the former Woolworths in Jarrow’s Viking Centre by mid-May – and will also offer training courses and other support.

In response to his claims, South Tyneside Council said it had worked hard to attract funding and to create the right conditions for investment.

Mr Driver said: “The council really needs to invest in King Street. It’s dead.

“At a business forum meeting, their idea was to put in seats and trees, but what is that going to do?

“They are not trying to get some big names, why don’t we get big names? They should give them a year’s free business rates.

“That would attract other businesses. It’s not complicated, it’s not hard, it’s common sense.

‘The footfall is horrendous’

“The footfall is horrendous - it’s not at all good compared to how it was. There’s been a noticeable difference in the past few years.”

He added: “We are very much looking forward to moving to our new premises in Jarrow, it will enhance what we are able to do – it’s fantastic.

“There are big-name shops there, and it’s a lot cleaner as well. We have signed a 10-year lease.”

As well as its shop, Veterans Response, a not-for-profit community interest company, also delivers training programmes, including in health and safety and food hygiene, open to all.

A food bank, supported by retailers including Asda, Greggs and Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a twice-monthly breakfast club, are for veterans only.

In its Jarrow premises, a retail unit will operate on the ground floor, with training rooms, food bank and podcast area upstairs.

South Tyneside Council respond to claims

South Tyneside Council said South Shields, like many town centres, had faced profound changes in shopping and leisure habits.

A spokesperson said: “Over the past decade, the council’s role has been to act as an enabler – creating the right conditions for investment, supporting regeneration and helping the town centre adapt to these long-term shifts.

“We have worked hard to attract significant levels of external funding into the borough, securing investment from government and regional partners.

“We have deliberately moved away from a town centre reliant solely on traditional retail, towards a more diverse offer.

“The relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School into the heart of the town centre is the cornerstone of that strategy.

“This is a transformational project that will bring thousands of students, staff and visitors into the town centre every day, directly increasing footfall on King Street and the surrounding area, and supporting local businesses.

“More than 80 percent of people who responded to a public consultation in 2022 supported the relocation, recognising its potential to create a livelier and more resilient town centre.”