Tony Gillan

The GMB Union says 580 UK coastguards have signed a vote of no confidence in Maritime and Coastguard Agency chief executive Virginia McVea. The union is seeking an independent review of the agency's leadership culture, an opportunity for coastguards to submit evidence and a timetable for addressing concerns about engagement, transparency, accountability, morale, recruitment and retention. The dispute follows a government reversal of plans to end payments to volunteer coastguards responding to emergency callouts, after warnings that the change could put lives at risk. The union says MCA chair Lord Stevens has not responded to its initial letter, while Maritime Minister Keir Mather has not commented.

Log Fire Pizza in South Shields will close on August 22, 2026, despite reported interest from TV chef Marco Pierre White in a new venture at the restaurant the previous year. Owners Craig and Sarah Shelmerdine said difficult economic conditions, reduced footfall and the pressures of running an independent hospitality business forced the decision. They thanked customers for their support, highlighted the business’s development from a food truck to its Mill Dam location, and said they hoped to return one day.

Tracey Stephenson has been appointed chair of the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Biddick Hall, which will help direct up to £20 million in government regeneration funding over 10 years from 2027. The board, made up mainly of local residents and representatives from schools, community services, South Tyneside Council and partner organizations, will use community consultation findings to develop short-, medium- and long-term investment plans. Its first meeting is expected in September, with the aim of strengthening the community, improving the area and ensuring local priorities guide spending.

The Reece Foundation has reassured beneficiaries and partners that it remains financially stable and will continue awarding grants after former employee Faye Dent admitted transferring £46,493 of charity funds to accounts belonging to herself and her husband in 2024. Dent, who cited a gambling habit, received a 20-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, along with mental health treatment and rehabilitation requirements. The Newcastle-based foundation reported total funds of £30.2 million at the end of 2024 and awarded £1.26 million in grants during the year.

The 144-year-old Grade II listed building at 16 Barrington Street in South Shields will be renovated as part of the £95 million relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School. Classic Masonry, appointed by principal contractor Castle, will replace stone, steam-clean the façade and complete other restoration work before the building becomes college office accommodation. The wider project includes a 15,000-square-metre campus on King Street, scheduled to open in September 2027, with funding from Tyne Coast College, South Tyneside Council and central government.