Wearside and County Durham stories you might have missed

The pier was opened to the public in 1903

Dolphins are spotted at a repaired pier, the prime minister supports a film studio project, tower block tenants fear relocation, fake council notes ban ball games and a council cuts Pride funding. Here are some Wearside and County Durham stories you might have missed this week.

Dolphins spotted as storm-damaged pier reopens

Those who visited Roker Pier's reopening after a 22-month closure were treated to a sight of dolphins in the bay

A pier damaged by Storm Babet in 2023 has officially reopened to the public, who were treated to the sight of dolphins nearby.

Sunderland's Roker Pier has been closed for nearly two years after it suffered "significant structural damage".

Part of the path on the Grade II listed structure had broken off and 300ft (91m) of railings were washed away during the October storm.

• Read more about the dolphin sightings here

Starmer backs city's 'landmark' film studios bid

Sir Keir Starmer described the Crown Works Studios development as "good for jobs"

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised the government's "full backing" to get Sunderland's flagship Crown Works Studios project back on track.

It emerged earlier this summer that the main private backer behind the £450m film and TV studio development had pulled out.

North East leaders are now pushing to find new investors to ensure the huge regeneration scheme, earmarked for the banks of the River Wear in Pallion, can go ahead.

• Read more about the film studio project here

Tower block tenants fear relocation for demolition

Jamie Lee said he was saddened to find out his tower block would be demolished

A tower block resident says he thought his housing association was joking when he was handed a letter confirming the flats where he lives would be demolished.

Gentoo said it had opted to flatten Lambton, Londonderry and Lumley Towers in Sunderland's East End by 2030 to avoid "significant" repair costs and disruption.

Resident Jamie Lee said he was shocked by the news, while another, Steve Potter, said he was told about the plans by neighbours after coming home from hospital.

• Read more about the tower block demolition here

Fake council note banning ball games sent to homes

The letter threatened to fine people who do not comply with the ban

A fake council letter sent to residents saying ball games were banned and threatening fines is being investigated.

The note, claiming to be from one of Durham County Council's neighbourhood teams, was posted through doors in Stanley saying there had been reports of children playing "aggressively".

It states "no ball games (football) are allowed in this area" and warned people they can cause "distress" to the elderly.

• Read more about the fake council letter here

Durham County Council to cut Pride funding

The first Durham Pride took place in 2014 and has grown in popularity over the years

A Reform-led council has cut funding for a city's annual Pride event.

Darren Grimes, Durham County Council's deputy leader, criticised the annual celebration of the LGBT+ community and said the local authority would instead divert funding to key services.

Thousands of people attended this year's festival, held in Durham City across two days in May, which saw up to £12,500 invested by the council as part of work to support events in the region following its unsuccessful City of Culture bid.

• Read more about the council funding cut here