Metro services cancelled after tree falls on line

Football fans heading to watch the Lionesses and concertgoers heading to watch Girls Aloud are being warned of delays to train services.

Tyne and Wear Metro services were suspended between Shiremoor and Tynemouth on Friday after a tree collapsed on to the line.

The diseased tree brought down 500m (1,640ft) of overhead lines.

Train operator Nexus told passengers to allow extra time for their journeys as the "complex" repairs would take "some time to fully resolve".

Newcastle city centre is expected to be particularly business on Friday evening due to the England Women's team's match against France.

The Uefa qualifier match kicks off at St James' Park at 20:00 BST.

Girls Aloud's are also performing at the Utilita Arena at 19:00 BST.

The top of the diseased poplar tree, which was in a garden in Monkseaton, broke off and landed on the line.

Nexus said the tree was about 25m (82ft) tall and had a cavity inside, which meant specialist machinery is needed to remove cut it down.

"Once the damaged tree has been cut down we will be able to proceed with the repairs on the overhead lines," a Nexus spokesperson said.

Passengers are advised by Nexus to use the number 900 replacement bus service.

Metro services between South Gosforth and Shiremoor had only been reopened on Friday morning after structural damage was found at Benton station.

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