Flyover closure hits local businesses hard

The closure of an unsafe flyover has incurred "significant costs [of] well over £1m to date", a council says.

A section of the A167 in Gateshead was shut seven weeks ago after inspectors raised safety issues relating to one of its concrete supporting pillars.

Gateshead Council said a "more permanent" solution involving encasing pillars in concrete would begin next week.

Local businesses warned the drop in footfall as a result of the disruption could be "catastrophic".

Annelise Hutchinson, from Gateshead Council, said next week's work would mean the emergency prop under the flyover could be removed.

But she could not be more specific on the timeline around demolishing the structure.

"We're working with specialist contractors to look at the timeline, the cost and the options for demolition," Ms Hutchinson said.

When asked who was going to pay for demolition work, she replied: "Conversations ongoing."

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has pledged to use regional funds to help Gateshead Council cover the cost of demolition.

The disruption has caused a headache for businesses in the area.

Chris Allen, from Sapori café, said takings had plummeted since the flyover closed.

"We're probably seeing about a 60% to 70% drop in our regular amount of business we expect on a daily basis," he said.

"You can imagine our outgoings haven't dropped, but the footfall has dropped."

Meanwhile James Garrity, from the nearby JG Fitness gym, said he had lost 15% of his business.

He said: "If that continues it could have catastrophic effects."

The Labour-led council said costs to manage the closure of the road included fencing and security, increased monitoring and out of hours staff, contractors and consultants.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]