Newcastle and Gateshead Lib Dem opposition leaders issue urgent call to action to Mayor and Deputy Mayor

As the cross-Tyne transport chaos continues amidst a Metro system failure over safety concerns at the Metro tunnel beneath the Gateshead flyover, the Lib Dem leaders of the opposition of Newcastle and Gateshead councils have issued a joint statement challenging the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to take urgent action to prevent growing chaos crossing the Tyne.

Gateshead Lib Dem leader Cllr Ron Beadle and Newcastle Lib Dem leader Cllr Colin Ferguson have combined to call on regional Mayor Kim McGuinness and her deputy mayor for transport, Gateshead leader Cllr Martin Gannon to immediately invite ministers to meet with them on Tyneside to agree an action plan to get a growing crisis under control.

Cllr Ron Beadle said "One week on from the flyover closure, there is little sign of action from Labour leaders. We are asking for a clear action plan to address this Christmas crisis and prevent chaos when commuters return after the New Year. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor must meet with ministers here on Tyneside before Christmas to clarify how they will fix things in the short term and how they will fund their wishlist of long term solutions."

Cllr Colin Ferguson said "Transport chaos on Tyneside on the final weekend before the big day is a Nightmare Before Christmas for Newcastle city centre retailers. Restoring transport connectivity to the heart of Tyneside needs to be a vital priority for the Mayor and it is becoming a significant test of her leadership.