'Repeated vandalism' - South Tyneside pier to remain closed after yobs smash gates just hours after fixing

South Tyneside’s storm battered pier has suffered a fresh blow and is set to remain closed for many months after yobs smashed safety gates hours after they were installed.

Pier bosses say vandals returned after their first act of wanton destruction to inflict further damage, putting the gates out of use.

Without them in place to protect the public, they confirm the mile-long Victorian-era structure must remain closed.

The shock update was revealed by the Port of Tyne, which owns and operates the Grade II-listed structure.

The pier shut on safety grounds in October 2023 after Storm Babet tore away a 150m stretch of sea wall.

Hopes of reopening last summer were dashed when a further 50m section of protective concrete was damaged by Storm Ingrid structure in January 2025.

In March, the Port of Tyne said it was unable to fix a date for full reopening but repair work was ongoing and new security gates must first be installed.

But in a new statement, it said: “Many people have asked why South Pier remains closed following earlier announcements that part of the structure could potentially reopen while longer-term storm repairs were progressed.

“Earlier this summer, the Port installed secondary security gates designed to safely isolate the section of South Pier most affected by storm damage.

“This would have allowed public access to part of the pier while plans for the longer-term repairs continued.

“Unfortunately, those gates were vandalised on the very day they were installed and have subsequently been damaged further to the point where they can no longer provide the level of security required.

“The gates were specifically intended to create a safe route for public access.

“However, repeated vandalism and unauthorised access have prevented that from being possible.

“The storm-damaged section of South Pier remains unsafe and will require substantial work over a number of years.

“The secondary gates were intended to be a practical solution that balanced public access with safety, but that solution depends on the infrastructure remaining secure.”

It also revealed the North Pier, opposite at North Shields, was also recently hit by vandalism at its lighthouse end.

Overall, deliberate damage from trespass and vandalism in the past few years has cost the Port more than £180,000 in repairs.

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The Port added “Every incident of vandalism requires us to carefully balance public access, safety and heritage responsibilities while ensuring repairs protect these important landmarks for future generations.

“We know many people are eager to see the piers reopened and share their frustration when progress is delayed.

“The reality is that every act of vandalism creates additional repair work, increases costs, introduces new safety concerns and delays plans to restore public access.

“Nobody wants to see North Pier or South Pier closed. Significant work has already been undertaken to repair damage, improve security and create opportunities for safe public access, and that work will continue.

“We want these much-loved landmarks to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike but keeping them open depends on protecting them from further damage.”

The Port said further updates would be provided.