The River Tyne crossing is to shut for a day to allow repairs to handrails and the road surface.

It is hoped the measure will enable Metro services to continue and could also see a bus lane reopen.

Despite previous assurances, the council says checks were "not necessarily" carried out this often.

Businesses near to the unsafe road say footfall has plummeted since its closure seven weeks ago.

Gateshead Council's leader says demolition would be a "really complex, difficult piece of work".

One of the beams, which support a path along the Derwent Walk in Gateshead, has fallen down.

Doubt surrounds the final £6.2m Department for Transport funding for the Tyneside landmark.

The council will contact those residents impacted, but stressed the threat was "quickly contained".