Storm Babet: Shields Ferry suspended until Saturday

Nexus said there is no replacement bus service due to Go North East strikes

A perfect storm of public transport problems has left would-be passengers on the Shields ferry facing serious disruption during the poor weather.

Operator Nexus has withdrawn the service, between North Shields and South Shields, until Saturday morning.

A dispute between Go North East and union Unite has meant replacement bus services have been unable to run.

Passengers have been urged to use the Tyne and Wear Metro or Stagecoach services 10 and 11 instead.

The ferry service was suspended on Thursday as a "safety precaution" following poor conditions on the River Tyne.

It coincided with a weather warning for persistent heavy rain that has been issued for parts of northern England..

Huw Lewis, Nexus's customer service director, said it would continue to "monitor the conditions".

"The storm has created a tidal swell which means we can't dock the boats at our north landing.

"Strong winds are also expected tomorrow. The suspension is in the interests of safety."

He added that a limited taxi service would operate on Friday, half hourly via the Tyne Tunnel.