The north and south piers at the Port of Tyne remain closed-off due to repeated acts of vandalism. Recently, the north pier was forced to close just days after reopening following a significant act of vandalism at the lighthouse end of the structure.
Eight specialist glass blocks in the pavement were smashed, leaving broken glass across the area and exposing sensitive equipment that supports the lighthouse's navigation systems. Further inspections subsequently identified damage across all six pavement light installations near the lighthouse, with cracks and breakages affecting multiple glass blocks.
Historic structures need specialist repairs
The damaged area presents a risk to visitors and has left important infrastructure vulnerable to further damage and the elements. Until the area can be fully assessed, repaired and made safe, public access cannot resume. Both north pier and south pier are listed structures and repairs must be carried out using appropriate materials and methods that preserve their historic character while meeting modern safety and engineering standards.
This often requires specialist materials, contractors and inspections, making repairs more complex than they might be on a modern structure. The current estimate for repairs to the damaged pavement lights is around £20,000, although the final cost will depend on the extent of repairs required across all affected areas.
Damage beyond visible breakages
The damage extends beyond the visible breakages, affecting specialist infrastructure and requiring repairs that are appropriate for a historic structure. The pavement lights near the lighthouse are not standard paving slabs. They form part of a specialist structure which allows natural light into the lighthouse plant room below while protecting sensitive equipment and infrastructure.
Repairing this type of damage involves more than simply replacing broken glass. Specialist materials must be sourced, damaged sections carefully removed, the structure made watertight and surrounding areas inspected to ensure there has been no impact on the infrastructure beneath.
South pier gates vandalised
The south pier also remains closed after security gates were installed. The gates were vandalised on the 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 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.
Cost of repeated vandalism
A statement from Port of Tyne said: "Sadly, the recent incidents are not isolated. Over the past two to three years, vandalism, trespass and deliberate damage across both piers are estimated to have cost the Port more than £180,000 in repairs, security improvements and associated works."
"The damage has included deliberate fires, vandalism of security gates, damage to electrical infrastructure, damage to specialist lighthouse pavement lights, repairs to waterproofing systems and repeated unauthorised access to restricted areas. Every incident requires time, specialist repairs, investigations and additional security measures, diverting resources away from maintaining, improving and reopening the piers."
"Because the piers are listed historic structures, repair costs can often be substantially higher than would be expected on a modern asset. 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."
The Port has reported recent incidents to Northumbria Police. Additional security measures, including additional CCTV coverage and monitoring of vulnerable areas around the piers are also being looked into.
