North Shields Chamber partners with Port of Tyne to boost local economy

The North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce is teaming up with the Port of Tyne to boost the local economy.

The Chamber has today (May 11) announced a new a visitor guide for the crews of ships berthing at the port.

With 52 cruisers expected to arrive this year, each carrying an average of 800 people and docking for 10-12 hours, it is hoped the guide will provide useful information on what the area has to offer.

The Chamber and port are aiming to encourage more crews to venture out to different parts of North Shields, which could help drive more money into the area’s coffers.

Chamber chair Miles Walton said: “This is a way of not only boosting the welfare of the crews, but also the shops, cafes, restaurants and other service providers who are spread across North Shields.

“Now tens of thousands more people this year will be aware of what the local area has to offer, and will hopefully be paying a visit to some of the fantastic places that we have on our doorstep.”

He added: “This initiative is a perfect example of what the Chamber tries to do – to provide a boost to its members but also to North Shields as a whole.”

The guide includes a map of North Shields and details of areas like the Fish Quay, town centre, Royal Quays and Tynemouth, along with information on transport links.

Marine harbour master Steven Clapperton, Port of Tyne’s director of health and safety, environment, commented: “This is an opportunity for us to work together with the Chamber to improve the offering we have for the crews of visiting vessels.

“It also means we can hopefully help to increase trade for local businesses as there are so many crew members coming into port who want to get out to explore the local area.

He continued: “As a former Merchant Navy officer this is something close to my heart – and a positive opportunity to help improve the welfare of seafarers.”