Storm Babet: Repair bill for Sunderland's Roker Pier at £300,000

The ferocity of the storm washed the pier's railings into the sea

The repair bill for Sunderland's Roker Pier, which was badly damaged during Storm Babet, may be up to £300,000, it has been confirmed.

Huge waves and strong winds in the October storm tore off railings and washed away decking at the Grade II listed pier.

Sunderland City Council said the damage had left the area unsafe and it would be closed until repairs were made.

It said they could take about 30 weeks to complete.

The pier as it used to look

The council's cabinet member for a dynamic city, Labour's Kevin Johnston, said the timescale was because of the need for bespoke materials, such as granite blocks, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

"The council is currently carrying out structural surveys to determine the full extent of the damage and is engaging with specialist contractors to carry out the works," he said.

Councillor Sam Johnston, Conservative member for St Peter's ward, said: "Whilst the repairs will be costly and will take a long time to complete, the effort and resources are fully worth it to get our wonderful pier back into top condition, as it is vital to local walkers, anglers and businesses."

The pier was also closed after being damaged by Storm Arwen in 2021 with the repair bill that time running to almost £6,000.