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Following an initiative of the North Tyneside Socialist Party, a 60-strong public protest took place on 29 December against Labour-run North Tyneside council’s plan to demolish the historic Borough Road footbridge in North Shields’ town centre.

Demolition would undoubtedly cause serious hardship to disabled and vulnerable people accessing the town centre.

The event received local media coverage, with Socialist Party branch secretary Will Jarrett interviewed for Look North and radio stations. 20 copies of the Socialist were sold at the protest.

Notwithstanding a failed attempt by pro-council cuts Labour Party members to hijack the campaign and exclude us at a meeting on 5 January, we will be attending another protest meeting at The Magnesia Bank pub (NE30 1NH) on Saturday 12 January, 11am.

A march through the town centre to save the bridge will take place on 19 January which, undoubtedly, will get a huge response from the community.

Peter Robson, North Tyneside Socialist Party