Storm Update - 2 Dec, 2021

The clean-up operation following Storm Arwen is likely to last well into the new year.

A week on from the major weather event, significant progress has been made, with crews continuing to work around the clock to repair the damage wreaked across South Tyneside.

The situation continues to be monitored and assessed, with incidents being dealt with on a priority basis to enable the borough to return to normal as swiftly and safely as possible.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "This was an unprecedented weather incident, a rare red warning, meaning there is a danger to life.

"I am so proud of the way teams have rallied in response. They have dealt with hundreds of incidents, often working in challenging circumstances. In some situations, their efforts have been hampered by further bad weather or dangerous conditions.

"Crews have been prioritising emergency incidents and those critical in the aftermath of the storm, but there is still a substantial amount to do and the recovery will last well into the new year.

"This will obviously have a knock-on effect on day-to-day work, so we'd ask people to appreciate that it is going to take some time to get through the backlog.

"We thank residents for their patience and continued support. It's heartening to see that, despite the huge impact the storm has had, the borough's sense of community spirit is still strong."

The prioritisation process has had to be dynamic and flexible to respond to the continuing influx of incidents that have been reported since last Friday night.  

Haven Point in South Shields remains closed due to both internal and external storm damage. Remedial work hasn't yet been able to start because of wet and icy conditions, however this will go ahead as soon as possible, to enable the main 25m and teaching pools to reopen and a full class and gym schedule to resume.

The council has received reports relating to trees at 386 locations. It has carried out 215 inspections, with 135 trees removed or made safe.

More than 50 incidents of significant structural damage have been reported to the Building Control Team. Reports continue to increase, and assessments are continuing.

A number of road closures remain in place across the Borough, to address significant safety concerns and to allow the clean-up of debris by limiting through traffic. Diversions are in place with local access permitted.

A closure at Station Road, East Boldon, requires the assessment of live electricity cables by Northern Powergrid, who are prioritising residents who are still without power.

Trow Quarry and Harbour Drive car parks are also closed, due to an accumulation of sand on the access road.

A full list of road closures can be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/stormarwen which will be updated periodically with the latest information available.

Incidents can be reported via the Customer Contact Centre number 0191 427 7000 or customerhelp@southtyneside.gov.uk which is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm.

The public can also use www.southtyneside.gov.uk/reportit to report incidents

For more information, please follow Council social media feeds or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/stormarwen

For up-to-the-minute public transport information visit www.nexus.org.uk