KITTIWAKES in Gateshead have been assured a happy New Year thanks to the help of a bird-loving Eagle.

Gateshead councillor John Eagle, who came to the rescue of the kittiwake colony on Gateshead Quays, has welcomed plans for the reinstallation of a kittiwake tower.

Coun Eagle, who represents the Bede ward, where the colony is located, on Gateshead Borough Council, took up the future of the colony with the authority.

He said yesterday: "I am still concerned about the siting and timing of the new tower location.

"It needs to be as close as possible to the old location, and it needs to be installed well before the birds return in spring. I will be pressing the council on both of these issues."

He added: "A lot of people interested in wildlife have raised concerns about the future of the kittiwakes in central Tyneside.

"I am very keen that this colony should thrive.

"It's fantastic what is happening on Gateshead Quays, with cultural and other developments, but there is room for our wildlife too, and I am sure that a thriving kittwake colony will attract visitors to this area."