Storm-hit pier gets CCTV to deter 'illegal access'

CCTV would be directed to the entrance to the pier in South Shields

Plans for the installation of CCTV to deter "illegal access" and vandalism at a storm damaged pier have been approved.

South Tyneside Council's planning department approved the Port of Tyne's proposals to erect a 26ft (8m) post and camera at the Grade II listed South Pier in South Shields.

The pier and its lighthouse sustained severe damage during Storm Babet in October 2023, and has been closed ever since.

The Port of Tyne, which previously warned that continued vandalism could delay repairs, listed incidents in its application including damage to lighthouse windows and the starting of fires that tripped the power supply.

Another incident saw the removal of a cable for its copper, resulting in the lighthouse being without power for a number of months.

Storm Babet last year caused major damage to the structure

The plans were approved on Tuesday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

There were no objections from the Labour-led council's historic environment officer and it was argued "the public benefit of the CCTV installation would outweigh the harm" to the pier and watch house.

North Pier in Tynemouth was also damaged in the same storm and has been the target of vandals, the Port of Tyne previously said.