RESTORATION work has begun on one of the North East’s most striking train stations, which will include the preservation of a Victorian cast iron canopy.

Following preliminary preparatory work to remove asbestos roof sheets and trim back trees, the final phase of demolition work at Tynemouth Metro station has commenced.

The Metro will continue to operate at the station throughout the project, while the popular Tynemouth Markets are also to continue every weekend.

Mansell Construction, which has a regional base in Gateshead, has been awarded the contract by station owners Station Developments Ltd to undertake the 53-week programme, which will include inserting panels of tinted glass into the repaired cast iron structure while also creating a performance area on the platform to increase the station’s use as a visitor attraction.

The main structural work is confined to the east platforms, where some sections of the dilapidated canopies will be removed for specialist offsite restoration.

The remaining areas will be preserved and restored on site, to match the work carried out during the partial restoration of the station in the late 80s.

In addition, there will be repair to stonework, leadwork, roofing and gutters.

The rescue package, which is being co-ordinated by a stakeholder group, including North Tyneside Council, English Heritage, Nexus and station owners Station Developments, includes £1.9m of Government funding, allowing the £3.68m project to go forward.