Sunderland's Roker Pier to be 'closed for some time' after damage during Storm Babet, council confirms

Huge waves and 60mph winds washed away several metres of railings during the storm, which lashed the Grade II-listed pier on Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20.

Sections of deck around the pier’s lighthouse were also washed into the sea, leaving it unsafe to open.

Following an initial assessment on Monday, the council says more in depth assessments are needed to establish the full extent of the damage and repairs needed.

The council had teams on standby throughout the storm, ready to support communities and respond to any storm damage.

Work to clean up storm damage began on Saturday and is continuing. This includes: the removal of debris on beaches and promenades, and shovelling large quantities of sand blown onto the promenade during the storm, back on the beaches.

Dead birds and fish were found on the promenade and a large yellow buoy, believed to have been blown down the coast from South Tyneside before being washed up onto Roker Beach, has also been removed from to prevent it from causing further damage.

The buoy damaged promenade railings in a number of locations between Seaburn and the Cat and Dog Steps, before coming to rest on Roker Beach.

Sunderland City Council is in discussion with its owners to determine how it can be returned to them, or disposed of responsibly.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of the council, said: “The storm resulted in significant damage to Roker Pier, washing away stretches of the railings as well as parts of the deck around the lighthouse itself.

“Sadly, this has left the pier in an unsafe condition which means it is likely to remain closed for some time.

“We know how much residents and visitors alike value the pier and will want to see it reopen, but we need to fully assess the damage before we can look at next steps in terms of a programme of repairs.

“So for now, the pier needs to remain closed and I would urge people not to venture onto it as it is not safe.”

Cllr Miller added: “Thankfully, other than the damage to the pier, Storm Babet doesn't seem to have impacted as much on our communities as it has on those elsewhere.

"But I'd like to thank everyone involved in the response to the storm and the clean-up for their dedication, especially our environmental services teams who did a sterling job removing rocks and debris from roads and main routes along the seafront to keep them safely passable during the storm.”

The Festival of Light in Mowbray Park which was cancelled on Thursday and Friday and over the weekend due to the storm and the likely impact on ground conditions on site has also reopened and is on every day this week for half term.

To find out more and book tickets for the festival, which runs until Saturday, November 11, visit the council’s website for more information.