Metro customers have experienced major disruption after a line closed following an attempted cable theft at a station in Newcastle.
Nexus, the operators of the Tyne and Wear Metro, confirmed that an attempt was made to steal the cable on just before midnight on Friday next to Benton Metro station which caused 'severe damage to infrastructure'.
The resulting damage to the cable, combined with a points issue at South Gosforth, meant no trains were able to run in either direction between South Gosforth and Monkseaton on Saturday morning.
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A loss of Metro signalling systems occurred between South Gosforth and Monkseaton at 11.55pm.
A subsequent inspection team found severely damaged signalling cable 200 metres along the line from Benton Metro station. Nexus say this was due to an attempt to steal copper cables from Metro’s infrastructure.
Northumbria Police have been informed.
At the time of writing, trains were running at an approximate 15 minute frequency between South Gosforth and South Shields and to a 20 minute frequency between St James and Monkseaton stations.
Nexus have said that engineers plan to replace the damaged cable in the next few hours. The Airport to Park Lane line remains unaffected.
A spokesperson for Nexus said: “Metro services have been halted between South Gosforth and Monkseaton due to attempted cable theft. This occurred around 11.55pm on Friday evening about 200 metres along the line from Benton Metro station.
“The thieves have cut through a signalling cable. They have severely damaged it and repairs are ongoing at the moment.
“We are aiming to have the service back on in the affected area by lunchtime, but customers are advised to check before travelling. If you’re heading into Newcastle for the football match at 3pm please allow extra time to get there, and where possible travel in on Metro via Wallsend.
“The attempted theft of the cable has been reported to Northumbria Police. Cable theft causes huge disruption to our customers. It is dangerous to tamper with trackside equipment which has high voltage power running through it. Thieves are risking their lives by doing this.”
Metro tickets and passes can be used on the following local bus services in both directions:
Arriva
51/51A: Haymarket Benton Palmersville Shiremoor Whitley Bay
52: Four Lane Ends Haymarket
53: Palmersville Northumberland Park Shiremoor North Shields
54: Haymarket South Gosforth Longbenton Four Lane Ends (Benton Lane) Benton Shiremoor
55: Haymarket South Gosforth Longbenton Four Lane Ends Benton Palmersville
57/57A: West Monkseaton Monkseaton Whitley Bay
306: Haymarket Whitley Bay
308: Haymarket Whitley Bay
Stagecoach
62/63: Newcastle city centre Four Lane Ends Benton
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