The Shields Ferry is a vital link across the Tyne between North and South Sheilds, but over a decade of local labour party failure means its future is in doubt.
The existing north landing is expected to fall into an unusable condition in 2025. Labour leaders have so far failed to build a replacement terminal closer to the North Shields Fish Quay.
Conservative mayor candidate Guy Renner-Thompson has pledged to use the transport powers and funding that the regional mayor will hold following the agreement of a new, multi-billion pound devolution deal for the North East. The deal includes an initial five-year City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) of up to £563m available to be spent up to 2027.
Guy said "Sheilds Ferry is an integral part of our transport system and as Mayor I would guarantee its future by allocating funding to a ferry terminal in North Sheilds. Building a new ferry terminal is certainly a lot cheaper than a tunnel!
Labour, who control both North and South Tyneside councils, have failed local people with dither and delay on this project for far too long. They can't be trusted to deliver important infrastructure projects across the region"
