Plans to create a new marina with floating pontoons in South Shields have been approved.

The development at the former Brigham and Cowan Dock 4 Entrance, off Long Row, will see an area created for small boats to be moored, a wave break and access ladder.

The plans had been opposed by neighbours who are worried about noise, pollution and parking.

During a public consultation 139 representations were submitted in support and 90 objections against.

Councillor Angela Hamilton raised concerns about increased traffic and limited parking, adding: “I’m not against a pontoon or a marina, if it’s done right it can bring a massive advantage to our borough.

“But this application isn’t right, it doesn’t meet the local planning framework and takes away residents’ amenities that they’re entitled to."

A statement from the applicant said the former dock was ‘one of the last practical locations’ in South Tyneside suitable for a such a facility.

The application was approved with a condition that the pontoon be restricted for “the mooring of recreational leisure boats and for no other purpose”.

There's also a dispute over access to a public walkway on the riverside.

Part of the riverside walkway and England Coast Path, adjacent to the former dock, has already been gated-off and an online petition to reopen it has collected more than 1,000 signatures.

The local authority said it's a separate issue to the pontoon and it is in talks with Natural England regarding the pathway.

The new hospital on the riverside would replace the 75-year-old facility on Queen Alexandra Road.

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Vandals have attacked another of Northumberland Wildlife Trust's buildings.

A window shutter was badly damaged and a large glass panel smashed at the head office in the grounds of St Nicholas Park reserve in Gosforth.

At the beginning of the month, four bird hides at the Low Hauxley wildlife discovery centre were vandalised, with windows smashed, benches torn out and sections of walls kicked in.

The trust said the cost of repairs was likely to run into thousands of pounds.

Image source, Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Police found the weapons while investigating who had ordered a parcel of cannabis from the USA.

Sunderland fans have been celebrating their club's cup win at Wembley.

The Black Cats are now the EFL Trophy holders thanks to yesterday's 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

While fans couldn't be at Wembley in person, across the region they held Zoom parties (pictured below) trying to recreate the excitement of match day togetherness.

The result for Sunderland ended a near 50 year wait for a win at Wembley following their famous FA cup victory in 1973.

Paul Callaghan (pictured below) said he was delighted to be rid of the Wembley jinx: "I know the new manager said it's a new team but it feels like a weight off my shoulders.

"My brother Zoomed in from Spain, I had people from Scotland, from London, from all over the place and we even had a Tranmere supporter on and he was very magnanimous in his wishes for us to have a good time."

Sarah Bayfield (pictured below) wished she could've been at Wembley: "I can just imagine the atmosphere in London had we been allowed to be there."

Cleveland Police said those that tried to help the 10-year-old girl were "heroes".

Image source, Owen Humpreys / PA Media

Stunning pictures of the Northern Lights and the Milky Way over Holy Island.

They were captured by Owen Humpreys last night.

Image source, Owen Humpreys/ PA Media

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March 2021

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