Extra funding lands to help keep ferry crossing in operation

A MULTI-MILLION pound cash boost for the new landing for the Shields Ferry has been approved.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Fears for the future of the beloved ferry crossing were raised after it emerged that the current landing in North Shields was no longer fit for purpose.

A £14.6m funding package to build the new facility was agreed last summer.

However, on Tuesday, the North East Combined Authority (NECA) was forced to approve another £5.9m amid rising costs.

The money has been allocated from the £1.85bn transport investment from central Government.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the NECA cabinet, Mayor Kim McGuinness said the money would “fully safeguard” the ferry.

She added: “It will mean that we can complete the North Shields ferry landing. That will be transformational for the region and for the economy in that area.