Shields Ferry service set to remain suspended until just before Christmas

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Shields Ferry, has specialist engineering teams going in to start the repair work this week.

The work comes after structural damage was found on the North Shields jetty on November 8 and the cross-Tyne service has been closed since then as a safety precaution.

The structural damage needs extensive repairs which has mean Nexus has had to carry out a full structural survey and procure a specialist contractor before the works could get underway safely.

Apologising for the suspension, customer services director, Huw Lewis, said: “I’m sorry for the ongoing disruption to the Shields Ferry service.

“I know it’s frustrating for passengers that we’ve had to cancel the service for so long but this was done in the interests of safety.

“We have conducted a full survey of the north landing structure and have arranged for specialists to carry out the necessary repairs, which are extensive.

“Once this is done we hope to resume services before Christmas.

“We will keep passengers fully informed ahead of any planned re-opening date and we will continue to provide replacement buses while the ferry is closed.”

A half hourly bus service is running between the two landings via Tyne Tunnel while ferry crossings are suspended.

Passengers are advised to keep any eye on the Nexus website, www.nexus.org.uk and the ferry’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theshieldsferry/