Cameras plan to tackle vandalism at popular pier

PROPOSALS for CCTV installation aimed at preventing “illegal access” and criminal damage at the heritage South Pier in South Shields have received approval.

- CHRIS BINDING

South Tyneside Council's planning authority has sanctioned two submissions concerning the Grade II-listed South Pier from the Port of Tyne.

Both the planning proposal and listed building consent request were lodged earlier this year (2025) seeking authorisation for the “installation of a new 8m post and CCTV camera.”

The designated location encompasses terrain to the north east of South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, bordering Sandhaven Beach, with the applicant's accompanying documentation explaining that CCTV was “essential to view the access gates at the base of the piers which [...] are continuously being vandalised to obtain illegal access.”

During 2024, the Port of Tyne cautioned that ongoing vandalism might postpone remedial work at South Shields pier, with incidents of trespassing affecting restoration efforts. And port officials later confirmed they were exploring the potential for a round-the-clock security presence at the location.