'Make sure it's dealt with' - Government minister throws weight behind South Shields road fix
Government minister throws weight behind calls for Heugh Street Bridge fix plan after MP highlights issue.
A government minister has heaped pressure on highways bosses to fix a broken but crucial South Tyneside bridge after he was put on the spot about the issue in Parliament.
Referring to the closed Heugh Street Bridge, Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, said he hoped they would “grip this and make sure that it’s dealt with”.
He was responding to a question by South Shields Labour MP Emma Lewell about the River Drive structure, which shut over danger concerns in November.
‘Not acted fast enough’
Borough council bosses are seeking funding for repairs but have been consistently criticised by Ms Lewell, who claims they have not acted fast enough.
They have confirmed they have applied for funding from the Department of Transport’s Structures Fund, a £7.3bn cash pot for local highway maintenance over the next four years.
But Ms Lewell returned to the issue in the House of Commons on Thursday, again slamming the council for not implementing what she said were “proper diversions” for motorists.
She also said time was a critical factor, insisting a fully usable crossing was vital to the success of the annual Great North Run.
Addressing Mr Lightwood, Ms Lewell said: “Heugh Street Bridge has been closed since November.
“The council only applied to the Structures Fund after I raised the matter here and despite pleas, they have still not implemented proper diversions.
“This bridge is absolutely vital on Great North Run day in September. Can my right honourable friend suggest what else we can do next?”
‘Make sure it’s dealt with’
Responding on behalf of the government, Mr Lightwood said: “Well, as somebody who is running the Great North Run this year, Mr Speaker, I hope that the local highways authority will obviously grip this and make sure that it’s dealt with.
And Mr Lightwood, the South Shields-born Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, added: “Obviously, we’ve got ‘til August 3rd for applications to the Structures Fund.”
Following her Commons question, Ms Lewell told the Gazette: "The day after the bridge closed in November I contacted the Council.
“It wasn't until I raised the issue in Parliament that the Structures Fund was applied for. But the funds won't be available or guaranteed until later this year.
“The diversion in place is not sufficient, it is damaging our local economy and causing significant delays and congestion around the town centre.
“There are other options but for some reason they are not being progressed.
“I have a live petition underway, that I would encourage my constituents to sign.
“The bridge didn't become unsafe overnight, these issues should have been spotted much earlier.”
The single lane pedestrian and road crossing was abruptly closed to vehicles after engineers found structural faults.
Further checks and tests led the council to conclude it was in ‘poor’ condition, with ‘significant deterioration identified in key structural elements’.
South Tyneside Council has previously said: “The bridge remains safe for pedestrian use and will continue to be subject to enhanced monitoring and inspections.
“As part of this process, the Council has made an initial, high‑level submission to the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund to support further technical assessment and planning.
“This does not relate to a confirmed scheme or cost but ensures potential funding routes can be explored alongside detailed feasibility work.
“Further updates will be provided as this work progresses.”
Ms Lewell’s petition can be found at https://lewellemp.com