Anti-social behaviour at station 'frustrating'

Sunderland's new rail station opened to the public in December 2023

A council has said it is trying to improve a railway station blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Cleaners at Sunderland's new train station have been abused, and vandalism has also meant the public toilets have had to close several times.

The Labour leader of Sunderland City Council, Michael Mordey, said the situation was "hugely frustrating" and discussions were taking place to improve it.

Northern Trains, which operates Sunderland Station, stressed work was ongoing with partners to improve the experience for customers.

Sunderland Station's problems were raised at a meeting of the city council on Wednesday.

Along with additional criticism from opposition Liberal Democrat and Conservative politicians about the building’s design and interior, councillors said the station’s commercial units appeared to sit unused, months since it opened in December 2023.

Councillor Michael Mordey said the council was working with station operators

Mordey said: "Whilst it is hugely frustrating that the situation has arisen at the new concourse with anti-social behaviour issues, the council continues to support Northern in their endeavours to tackle the situation and market the facilities."

He said he had met with the station manager and the council's anti-social behaviour team that week, and escalated issues to the area director for Northern.

Another meeting with Northern was scheduled for early next month, he added.

In a statement, Northern Trains said: "Unfortunately, due to repeated acts of vandalism the men’s toilets at the station have been closed so repairs can be made.

"More worrying is that members of our staff have also been the target of abuse while attempting to clean these facilities, which is totally unacceptable."

It also added that repairs to the north concourse lift, which was out of service for reasons unrelated to vandalism, were under way.