Metro section to close for seven days

The line between Benton and North Shields will be shut for work to overhead lines

A section of the Tyne and Wear Metro will be closed for a week while maintenance work is carried out.

Overhead power lines will be replaced along a 5.6km stretch of the line between Benton and North Shields.

It means that section of the line will be closed from 8 April and will reopen on 15 April.

Stuart Clarke, from operator Nexus, said the work is being carried out to "improve Metro's resilience". A replacement bus service will operate along the affected route.

The buses will run between Four Lanes Ends and North Shields, and will call at or near all Metro stations on the route.

Refurbishment work at Whitley Bay and Monkseaton stations will take place at the same time.

Mr Clarke said: "This seven-day major line closure is to allow for our ongoing multi-million pound investment in Metro modernisation to ensure that the network is here for many decades to come.

"If you’re heading into Newcastle, where possible get the Metro from North Shields and head into town via Wallsend."