North Tyneside Highway Workers Thrilled to Rejoin Local Authority, Says Mayor

North Tyneside: The council is buzzing with excitement. Highway workers are back under local authority control after Capita’s responsibilities were rolled back.

Mayor Dame Norma Redfearn shared that the workers are “delighted” to return. Before this, Capita handled most of the highway maintenance.

Last June, the council decided to bring back these roles. By October, planning and property duties returned, and highways workers followed in January.

About 200 workers are now back with the council. Capita will still manage major projects until 2027, a contract set by the former Conservative Mayor in 2013.

Councillor Hannah Johnson mentioned it’s been a great start with the highways team. They’re already planning road repairs and safety improvements around schools.

Some councillors had concerns about Capita’s work quality. They noted that repairs often needed multiple visits. Capita argued that some issues were due to external factors, like vehicles damaging repairs.

Last Thursday, the region also welcomed a ministerial visit. Lillian Greenwood MP toured North Tyneside to discuss how £22 million in government funding will help repair roads.

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