Wearside stories you may have missed this week

Image source, Nexus

Image caption, The new Metros have been returned to service after a problem with doors was resolved

4 May 2025

A charity says the number of animals being shot is "horrific", the new Tyne and Wear Metros are returned to service after a problem with the doors is resolved and dog owners are warned of beach exclusion zones.

Here are some stories you may have missed on Wearside this week.

Dog owners warned of summer beach ban

Image source, Google

Image caption, The ban covers Roker beach and a stretch of the one at Seaburn

Dog owners are being warned that beach exclusion zones are due to come into force.

The ban runs to 30 September and applies to Roker beach and a limited stretch of Seaburn in Sunderland.

Read about the story here

Rise in animals being shot, warns charity

Image source, Lorraine Thornton

Image caption, Jonny the cat came to Pawz for Thought with a pellet lodged inside him

The rise in the number of animals being shot is "absolutely horrific", a charity has said.

Pawz for Thought in Sunderland said there was a "growing trend" of birds in particular being hit and killed by people using air rifles and catapults in the area.

Seagulls and pigeons were the most commonly injured, but volunteer Lorraine Thornton said the charity had also dealt with cats.

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New Metro train fleet 'being returned to service'

Image caption, The first new Tyne and Wear Metro train entered service in December

Tyne and Wear Metro's new fleet of trains returned to service nine days after a problem with the doors saw them taken out of action.

Metro operator Nexus confirmed the problem had now been resolved after an image showed one of the new Swiss-built trains pulled into a station with doors open facing directly on to the tracks.

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Thousands petition to keep GP surgery open

Image source, Sarah Caldecott

Image caption, Patients gathered outside the surgery in March to protest against the planned closure

Thousands of residents signed a petition calling for a GP surgery to be saved from closure.

More than 2,500 people backed calls to retain the St Helen Auckland surgery in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, but bosses say the building is "not fit for purpose".

Auckland Medical Group said the site does not meet accessibility requirements and is too costly to repair.

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Second-hand school uniform scheme 'flat out'

Image caption, Second Chance has been running for two years and says it has seen demand rise

A community shop which runs a free second-hand school uniform scheme says it is "flat out" serving families who cannot afford to buy branded clothing.

Second Chance CIC in Hendon, Sunderland, collects donations of pre-worn items which are offered for no charge to those in need.

It comes as the Department for Education (DfE) tries to change the law to limit the number of compulsory branded items required by schools to three, plus a branded tie for secondary students, in a bid to cut costs for families.