South Shields lighthouse rebuild after Storm Babet damage

After high winds of up to 50mph battered South Shields last October, the lighthouse on South Shields pier was damaged, with sections of the lighthouse's dome floating in the sea. 

The dome is replaced on South Shields lighthouse, on the North East coast of England (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) In images captured at the time, the metal dome can be seen under the high waves before it's swiped away by the water and carried out into the North Sea. 

Damage to the dome in Storm Babet last October (Image: PA MEDIA) During Storm Babet, other buildings were hit with high wind and torrential rain, with parts of the coastline flooding and some walls being knocked down in parts of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.

An aerial image of the lighthouse repairs (Image: PA MEDIA) Despite no further damage reported on the lighthouse in South Shields between October 2023 and now, the structure has been covered in scaffolding and safety tape, with the lighthouse waiting on a vital repair. 

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And, after almost 12 months of waiting, contractors were seen working on the lighthouse on Thursday (October 3), with the lighthouse hopefully restored to its former glory soon. 

In images on Thursday, from news agency PA, several trucks and vans, as well as a crane, can be seen surrounding the lighthouse, while progress is made around the coastal building. 

It's unknown at this time how long the work will take at the lighthouse - but it's hoped that a restoration project will hold the dome in place and protect it from future wave damage.