NTC PUBLIC INQUIRY DIARY FOR 4TH MARCH 2003
The Inquiry opened at Jarrow Community Centre at 10.00am. There were approximately 30 people in attendance (objectors, observers and press) together with the TWPTA team lead by Mr Stephen Sauvain QC. Mr Stuart Nixon, the Inspector, opened the Inquiry with an initial session in which he outlined the format of the proceedings and identified those who were present who wished to present evidence. It is expected that the TWPTA will require 2 weeks to put its evidence to the Inquiry. Objectors as a whole may take up to 3 weeks. This period of time will also be allocated to a number of supporting organisations that expressed a desire to present evidence.
Following a short mid-morning adjournment Mr Sauvain gave his opening statement to the Inquiry setting out in outline the case and extent of the evidence that the TWPTA will present. In this address Mr Sauvain also outlined the issues raised by objectors and followed this by statements relating to how the TWPTA will address these issues. Copies of his opening statement are available from the Public Inquiry Programme Officer (Mr Ian Stearman - who can be contacted at Jarrow Community Centre on 0191 489 0150).
The Inquiry adjourned for lunch following this address.
During the afternoon session Mr John Miller delivered his evidence on the rationale for the New Tyne Crossing. In particular, be outlined the role of the TWPTA, the objectives of the Authority, the history of the studies which first established the need for additional cross Tyne capacity, the most appropriate location for such a crossing, the decision to progress the St Bede option (A19/Tyne Tunnel) and the development of the financing mechanism chosen. Having presented his evidence the Inspector put a number of questions prior to giving the opportunity to objectors to cross-examine Mr Miller. Questions were put by Friends of the Earth (ST Branch), North of England Green Party, North East Combined Transport Activist Round Table and Tyne Crossing Alliance.
Following a short recess, Mr Richard Thurlow delivered his evidence on the Engineering of the New Tyne Crossing. In particular, Mr Thurlow outlined the construction of the immersed tubes in the river, the cut and cover approaches to the matter on both sides of the river, the cross over of the new tunnel over the existing tunnel, the selection of the junction and the need for the use of land identified in the Order documents. The Inspector then put a number of questions to Mr Thurlow.
The Inquiry will recommence at 10.00 am Wednesday 5 March 2003 when the TWPTA will continue to present its case.