In the early hours of Saturday 16th May, mindless arsonists struck again at the Dunston Staiths. Sadly, it is not the first time that the historic structure has been attacked but weather conditions this time meant the fire damage was much worse, despite the best efforts of the fire service to control the flames.
The Staiths were built at the end of the Victorian period to export coal from the Durham Coalfield. It is the largest single wooden structure in Europe. In 1990 it took pride of place as one of the key features of the Gateshead National Garden Festival and in more recent years it has hosted the regular Staiths Food Market.
Dunston Councillor Peter Maughan said, "I was born and raised in Dunston and I know the Staiths will always be fondly regarded by residents as an important part of our landscape.
"Our heritage belongs to all of us and those who seek to destroy it are attacking all of us.
"This is a difficult site to secure from attack because of its size and access. Nevertheless, given there was an arson attack in February 2019 as well, serious consideration needs to be given to how security can be improved."
Anyone with information that could help police track down those responsible should contact PCSO Janowicz on 07736 194422 quoting police incident log 107 May 16th 2020.
Photo courtesy of Andy Smith.
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