Landscaping plans for Tyne Tunnel area

Aug 25 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

Repairs will be carried out to the lifts on the south side of the tunnels, which are out of action and then a decision will have to be made on the future of the ageing escalators which are now prone to breakdown.

The wider landscaping proposals will include covering over the present Jarrow entrance to the vehicle tunnel and turning the site into an area of hedging and wildflower planting, a footpath and cycleway which reflects the route of the vehicle tunnels below, and improved links and signage to the nearby potential world heritage site of St Paul’s Church and Monastery.

Mr Fenwick said that when the public inquiry into the new tunnel was held six years ago, local people had asked for a say in how the land would be restored. “We are now honouring that commitment,” he said.

Tom Hanson, chairman of Jarrow Community Area Forum and the Tyne Tunnel Working Group, said: “It’s very important that local people have this chance to get involved in the landscape plans. They have suffered some terrible disruption but appreciate that you can’t build a tunnel of this size without disturbance. “

From yesterday until October 1 weekly consultation drop-in sessions will be held on Tuesdays 11am-3pm at Queens Road Day Centre, Jarrow; Wednesdays 10am-3pm at East Howdon Community Centre, North Tyneside and Thursdays 10am-3pm at Jarrow Library. Details are also available at www.newtynecrossing.info

Tony Henderson