Whitley Bay Metro station is expected to stay shut until the end of March after its roof suffered serious storm damage.
The Grade II listed station has been closed since dramatic scenes last month when a glass panel came crashing down from its canopy during high winds in Storm Otto on February 17. While trains are now running through the area again, having previously been suspended, Metro bosses have confirmed that the historic station itself will remain off limits for passengers for weeks to come.
Rail operator Nexus said that it was “in the interests of customer safety” to keep Whitley Bay closed until late March, while engineers fit new netting beneath the canopy that is designed to catch any falling glass if there is a repeat incident in the future. The “extensive” repairs mean that commuters will have to keep using either Monkseaton or Cullercoats stations instead, while the works will also require a line closure between North Shields and Monkseaton on the weekend of March 25-26.
Read More: Full list of Newcastle parking charges as prices to rise at more than 170 sites in April
Huw Lewis, Nexus’ customer services director, said: “We understand the significant disruption the station closure is causing to local people and businesses in Whitley Bay. We don’t want to keep a major gateway into Whitley Bay closed for any longer than it needs to be and our team are working as quickly as possible to make the station completely safe and ready to re-open.
“Since the storm we have already installed special safety tension netting beneath much of the glass canopy, before it is replaced with a whole new roof in the summer. Our contractor cannot complete this work in areas closest to the railway line without stopping trains and turning the power off. This will require a line closure in the area on Saturday and Sunday, 25-26 March, after which we aim to re-open the whole station. In the meantime we have completed work above the concourse so that people can use businesses on the station and the yoga studio as normal from the end of this week.
“While Whitley Bay station is closed, customers should use nearby Monkseaton or Cullercoats as alternatives. We are now providing a taxi shuttle from Whitley Bay station to the nearest alternative for people who may find walking difficult. There will be a frequent replacement bus service between Monkseaton and North Shields stations on Saturday and Sunday, 25-26 March, when the line is closed.”
The station, which is more than 100 years old, was due for a major renovation of its canopy in any case – a project expected to cost around £5m. A contract for that refurbishment scheme was close to being awarded before the storm damage last month.
Mr Lewis added: “Whitley Bay Metro Station is a high priority for us and we have worked hard to maintain and develop the station since the previous £7m renovation project completed in 2008. When this upcoming full renovation is complete, we aim for the station to once again be a major asset for the town, in which we continue to grow amenities for local people. We will continue to keep the local community updated on the full restoration plans as they are finalised.”
Read More:
- Crucial court verdict awaited in battle over controversial Newcastle Quayside apartment block
- Gosforth High Street bollards to be removed but replacement plan branded 'extremely dangerous'
- Grainger Market roof restoration finally finished as traders promised scaffolding will disappear in weeks
- 'Important for the community, important for the children' – Pleas to save Birtley Swimming Centre from axe
- North East promised transport 'revolution' as anger mounts over train and bus chaos
