Reports emerge of lost trade in Newcastle due to Gateshead flyover and travel crisis

Words: Austen Shakespeare

In the midst of the closure of the A167 flyover and its subsequent impact on the Metro line, including the cancellation of services between Monument and Heworth in both directions, business organisation NE1 has said reports are emerging of lost trade. 

The 1960s-built flyover was closed down to all traffic on December 13, following the discovery of serious concerns around one of its supporting concrete pillars. 

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd: “The festive trading period had been strong in the city, with businesses reporting excellent results throughout November and early December. 

“It is too early to have a clear picture of the full impact the flyover has had on business, but anecdotal reports from businesses in the city suggests that the closure of the flyover and impact on Metro services has had a negative impact on trade. 

“This is the second consecutive year that the city’s businesses have been impacted by transport issues which are beyond their control, and serves as a strong reminder of the importance of having a robust transport network, especially during this hugely important time of year.”

Bus strikes last year were listed as contributing factors to Newcastle seeing 100,00 fewer visitors over the Christmas period than in 2022. Industrial acxtion and the cost of living ctisis were balmed for a 5.6% fall in shoppers last November and December.

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Earlier reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service last Monday found Gateshead town centre businesses reporting a dip in customers at a normally busy time of year. The proprietor of Robinson’s Shoe Repairs, Colin Robinson, told the LDRS on December 13, he felt that punters “have avoided the area entirely” as a result of alternative routes. 

Abbas Kazmi, who runs Kay’s phone repair shop on Jackson Street, also reported the area “feels completely dead now”. 

Nexus issued a statement this afternoon stating that the Metro service, effectively splitting the line in two, remains suspended between Monument and Heworth, with the possibility of southern shutdowns of the service still on the cards.