More delays for Metro passengers

Today Metro has reported delays of up to 15 minutes to trains running between St James and South Shields due to a technical fault.

A Nexus spokesman said delays were resulted in further delays to services from through North Shields and then down through Gateshead into South Tyneside.

A spokesman said: "The delays this morning were the result of a points failure at Monkseaton, which resulted in a suspension of service between Tynemouth and Shiremoor of about 15 minutes before the repairs were carried out and trains resumed in that area.

"The knock on effect was delays to trains through North Shields and then down through Gateshead into South Tyneside."

Technical faults have caused numerous problems for commuters over recent weeks with days of delays and bus replacement services due to a power supply problem on January 11.

For three days running, trains were unable to run between the Brockley Whins and Pelaw stations after a power cable was damaged.

Those return to work after Christmas were also affected between the Airport and South Hylton and a 15-minute delay between St James and South Shields as a result of a technical fault at the depot and an ill passenger.