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 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.

Sunderland City Council said the pier was safe to use again after repairs - costing about £236,000 and carried out over four months - were completed.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business, said the pier was one of the city's "prize assets" and repair works were a "complex marine civil engineering job".

He said work, which began in April, could only have realistically been completed outside of the winter months.

"We don't know in the future how severe storms will be but we're confident that the works can stand the test of time," he said.

"We are all very proud of our pier and this has all been another chapter in its long history."

The pier was first opened to the public in 1903

Planning approval for the repair programme was granted in January.

It included replacing corroded and missing steel components, repairing concrete and fixing the decking, railings and support structures.

New life buoys and safety signage have also been fitted.

The pier was first opened to the public in 1903 after taking 18 years to build and has been a popular spot for visitors and tourists over the years.

Kerrie Moorhead, 41, from Washington, visited the pier for the first time during its reopening, despite living on Wearside.

Kerrie Moorhead said the pier's reopening had been made extra special because of the dolphins

"I've lived in Washington for 37 years but this is my first time ever on Roker Pier and it won't be my last. What a day it's been," she said.

"The dolphins came up to the pier, it was almost like they knew about it reopening, it was such a special feeling."

North East-based Southbay Civil Engineering Limited was contracted for the pier's repairs, having previously worked on deck slab replacement works there in 2014.

Labour's Johnston added: "Looking at the repairs, I think one of the most striking aspects is probably the new concrete decking on the pier head."

He also confirmed the pier's tunnel tours would make a return.

Public access to the pier will continue to be restricted in adverse weather conditions in the interests of public safety, the council confirmed.