Dunston Staiths open day cancelled over 'decay and damage'
Decay and damage on a historical timber structure on the River Tyne have forced the cancellation of its public reopening.More than 130 years old and previously used to load coal on to ships, Dunston Staiths, at Gateshead, had been due to open on Saturday for the first of a series of open days during spring and summer.The Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) said damage had been found in some areas that had been due to be accessed by visitors.It said it hoped to be able to carry out repairs in time to open in the weeks ahead.
The structure is part of the nine-mile (14km) Tyne Derwent Way trail connecting sites along the river, including St Mary's Heritage Centre and the Gibside estate.It has previously staged a number of open days between May and September.
'Cracks and gaps'
TWBPT, which took on responsibility for the structure in the 1990s, said without repairs, the damage "could result in trip hazards and other safety risks". The organisation's Kari Vickers said the issues were identified by a structural engineer on Tuesday as part of an assessment of the effects of the weather over winter."The decking on the top and lower decks is decades old, and because it's wood and because of its age, it's rotting," she explained."There are cracks and gaps getting through."The overall structure of the staiths is solid, it's more potential slip and trip hazards with the decking, the steps and handrails."We're going to have a detailed look this week and look at what we can do to get it open again this season."
The staiths was previously one of 30 along the river in the days when the north-east of England supplied coal to the world.At more than 500m (1,650ft) in length, it is reputedly the largest timber structure in Europe.Partly restored ahead of the 1990 National Garden Festival, which was staged on the adjoining land, it has since been hit by several arson attacks.Five years ago, the National Trust entered into partnership with the TWBPT to establish what it described as a "sustainable future" for the staiths.
Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Volunteers asked to plant grass to protect Cornish dunes
Residents in Cornwall have been invited to plant grass at the dunes of a Cornish beach to try and stop changes to sand National Trust and the Making Space For Sand project said "dramatic changes" had been seen to the dunes at Crantock Beach in recent said the dune system was a "dynamic environment" which would continue to shift and change over time but it was changing too Pickard, a National Trust ranger, said an increase in planting marram grass would help with spring tides and stormy weather. She said: "The dunes are important for wildlife but also to provide a natural defence against increasing storms and rising sea levels."Planting more marram grass aims to improve biodiversity and also binds with the sand to reduce erosion of the dunes."The trust said it was working with Plymouth University to understand how the beach and dunes could change in the long term and to help plan for the event will take place on Wednesday from 10:00 BST.A spokesperson said anyone was welcome to join in and no experience was necessary.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
National Trust completes Purbeck coastline 'jigsaw'
A narrow strip of land has been acquired by the National Trust, completing its ownership of a stretch of the Dorset trust said the 26.3 ha (65 acres) strip was the "last piece of the jigsaw" of the land it manages between Worth Matravers and Durlston Country Park on the Isle of said it would allow nature restoration and improve access for walkers along its 5.5-mile (9km) stretch of coastline, part of the Jurassic Coast Unesco World Heritage steeply sloping ground is already designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for the importance of its wildlife-rich grassland. However three fields inland have been more intensively managed and currently have less value for trust said filling the gap would encourage wildlife to spread, including rare wildflowers like early spider orchids and butterflies like the Lulworth skipper and Adonis Brown, lead ecologist for the National Trust, said the chance to acquire the land was a "fantastic, not-to-be-missed opportunity".He said: "These fields are where we can really make a difference. The land will still be farmed, but in a more nature-friendly way. "With appropriate management – like stopping chemical inputs and introducing a conservation grazing regime – we can restore the wildlife that's missing."The trust said it also planned to improve the area for walkers, including widening the South West Coast Path to make it safer. The acquisition was funded through legacies to the trust's coastal campaign, Enterprise Neptune, over the past 60 years. The appeal began after a coastline survey in Purbeck by Reading University in has since raised £114m and led to the protection of 900 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern John Whittow, who led the national coastline survey, said: "It was imperative that a pilot survey should take place to acquaint my 30 students, post-grads and staff from Reading University with my newly devised methodology. "What better place than Dorset's Purbeck coast which we 'invaded' in May 1965."The trust said it planned to declare the section of the coast as inalienable, meaning it would be protected forever. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters
A breathtaking UK beach has been named a firm contender for Spain's sandy shores thanks to its beautiful setting and crystal-clear waters The UK may not always be able to rival the sun-soaked weather you'll find in Spain, but our coastline is definitely giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money. In fact, there's one breathtaking UK beach that's been hailed as a competitor to Spanish shores, thanks to its pristine white sands, turquoise waters and picture-perfect surroundings that wouldn't be out of place on a postcard. Throw in the plethora of nearby hotels, restaurants and bars, and it's not difficult to see why Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall is such a hit with Brits planning a staycation. The National Trust site gets its white sands from the soft shells that form its shores, while the crystal-clear waters and freshwater stream make it a must-visit on those hot summer days. Wildlife fans may also want to keep their eyes peeled for the variety of birds that call the region home, not to mention you can even spot basking sharks and dolphins between May and October. The travel experts at have named it as one of their go-to 'dupes' for Spain, explaining: "If you're looking for a beach in the UK that offers white sand, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and lush greenery similar to the Costa Brava in north-east Spain, then head to Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall. "Reminiscent of a tropical paradise, the beach is framed by towering cliffs, providing a peaceful retreat from the wind, and a scenic backdrop that enhances its secluded and calm atmosphere. Lastly, the beach's clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life." Over on Tripadvisor, visitors have plenty of positive reviews of the shoreline, although a few have warned that the nearby car park can fill up quickly so you may want to have a few alternatives in your back pocket if you are planning to visit. "What a lovely beach," wrote one happy holidaymaker. "Fairly small bay with clean sand. It has quite a steep drop off so isn't great for children playing in the surf. It has toilets, a cafe and car park very close." Another added: "A must do on your trip to Cornwall. Parking is difficult so plan ahead. The sea positively sparkles in the sunlight. It's one of the most picturesque spots on the island." For one holidaymaker, even some bad luck with the weather couldn't affect the beauty of the area. They wrote: "Just stunning. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. First time at Porthcurno and will definitely be returning. Just hope it doesn't rain this time." Meanwhile, fans of the hit TV show Poldark may also recognise the spectacular coastline, as it served as a filming location. According to the National Trust, it doubled up as Nampara Cove in the first season, as well as the second series where it provided the backdrop for a dream sequence in which Demelza and Ross enjoy a stroll. There's plenty to see and do in the area too. One major highlight has to be the iconic Minack Theatre, a unique outdoor theatre that's built into the cliffs and overlooks sea, making for some seriously Instagram-worthy views. Meanwhile hikers may want to don their sturdy boots and take on one of the countless trails along the cliffs; the South West Coastal Path passes through the region if you're looking to tick it off the bucket list!
