'Safe route' allows reopening of damaged structure

Kari Vickers says it is "clear that people really value Dunston Staiths"

A historical timber structure on the River Tyne is to reopen to the public this weekend after a "safe route" was found on damaged decking.

More than 130 years old and previously used to load coal on to ships, Dunston Staiths, at Gateshead, had been due to open earlier this month for the first of a series of events during spring and summer.

However, the first open day was cancelled, with the Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust (TWBPT) saying damage had been found in some areas due to be accessed by visitors.

It has now confirmed an event on Saturday will go ahead, with groups of 10 led by staff and volunteers between 18:00 BST and dusk.

TWBPT, which took on responsibility for the structure in the 1990s, previously said without repairs, the damage "could result in trip hazards and other safety risks".

The issues were identified by a structural engineer late last month as part of an assessment of the effects of winter weather.

'Local heritage'

Describing the decision to open the structure this weekend as "good news", the organisation said: "To address their concerns about trip hazards for visitors, the team have planned a safe route on the Staiths for small, guided groups.

"This different approach to public access might mean the Staiths can also open for the other planned open days between now and September, including the next one on 7 June, if temporary repairs can be completed in time."

Small groups will be accompanied along the structure during Saturday's event

Kari Vickers, deputy manager at the trust, said there had been an "incredibly supportive" public response when the previous event's cancellation was announced.

She added: "It's clear that people really value Dunston Staiths and how significant it is to our local heritage.

"We all want it to be an active part of the future of this area so we'll keep exploring ways to keep it open and safe for people to discover and enjoy."

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 and is now 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.