The environment at four stations on the Tyne and Wear Metro in South Tyneside is to be improved with a £3 million investment programme to improve walking and cycling links.

The project is being led by South Tyneside Council and starts next Monday, 10th October at Chichester, where improvements will be made to the public realm surrounding the Metro station.

To minimise disruption, the improvements are being started at the same time as the Metro Flow major line closure. The line is due to reopen on 4th December, but the work will still be ongoing as it is not due to be completed until April 2023.

Next month, work is due to start around Bede, Tyne Dock, and Simonside Metro stations, which will include improved lighting at Tyne Dock, and pedestrian and cycle routes to encourage sustainable travel at Dean Road, Reed Street, Hospital link, Middlefields Industrial Estate, Olive Street to Biddick Hall, Hudson Street and Shaftesbury Avenue to Arches.

Funded by the region’s Transforming Cities Fund, the project aims to improve connections between walking and cycling routes within South Tyneside by creating a safer and more secure environment for users of public transport. That should encourage more people to use public transport, which will result in improved air quality.

Last July, South Tyneside stations at Hebburn, Chichester and Bede displayed artwork to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Tyne and Wear Metro, and last year Byker Metro station displayed a montage of work from the Baltic gallery.

Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Transport and Neighbourhoods at South Tyneside Council, said: “Sustainable travel is key if the Borough is to achieve its carbon neutral goals.

“By carrying out these works, we hope to be able to improve the environments at and between Metro stations, which will hopefully encourage more people to cycle or walk to access the Metro.

“We will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum while these works are carried out and apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.”

Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “These exciting public realm works will help to bring a fresh feel to four of our stations in South Tyneside. The investment is welcome because Metro plays is part of everyday life in our local communities.

“Improved walking and cycling routes will encourage people to use more sustainable modes of travel and link into Metro services for getting to places of work and leisure.

“These works also include improved lighting on the approaches to some of our stations which is something our customers’ value. Safety and security are our top priorities.”