Ad
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
16.4 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  |  U.K. Edition

‘I’m not backing smash scaffold boss’ says MP

- Advertisement -

20110406-183644.jpg

JARROW MP Stephen Hepburn today denied backing the political ambitions of a businessman facing possible prosecution over damage to a housing headquarters in South Tyneside.

John Robertson allegedly drove his 22ft lorry into Strathmore House, the base for South Tyneside Homes, at Viking Industrial Park, Jarrow, because he was angry after losing a contract, which he claims sparked the collapse of his scaffolding firm.

Police have questioned and bailed Mr Robertson, of York Avenue, Jarrow, after he was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, following last month’s incident.

He is due to answer police bail later this month. The 44-year-old is standing as an Independent candidate for the Primrose ward in Jarrow in next month’s local elections, and it had been reported elsewhere that Mr Hepburn has backed his bid.

But that claim brought a swift denial from the Jarrow MP.

Mr Hepburn told the Gazette: “It has been reported that I have provided a political reference to John Robertson as an Independent candidate in the local elections. This is totally inaccurate.

“As a Labour MP, I only support Labour candidates.

“I provided a personal reference to my constituent, only for the benefit of his solicitor, given the current criminal proceedings against Mr Robertson.

“I am emphatically not supporting his election bid.” A police spokesman said: “A 44-year-old man from Jarrow has been questioned and bailed after a vehicle was driven into Strathmore House on March 20.

“He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.”

Isobel Riley, chief executive for South Tyneside Homes, said: “We can confirm that our solicitors are in correspondence with Mr Robertson’s legal advisors regarding a contractual dispute.

“We are, however, appalled that while waiting for the outcome of this dispute, Mr Robertson has apparently seen fit to take matters into his own hands by carrying out this damage to our premises at considerable cost to the public purse, causing inconvenience to our customers and stress to members of staff.

“Reinstatement work of the building and reception area is still ongoing.”

Via: www.shieldsgazette.com

- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Most Read >

Scaffolders Could Down Tools in Heatwave Under New HSE Proposals

Scaffolders could be given the right to stop work...

New software aims to transform scaffolding business management

A new digital platform designed specifically for the scaffolding...

ITP invests in R&D hub to advance scaffolding protection products

A Yorkshire-based manufacturer of construction textiles is creating a...

Scaffolding design platform ScaffPlan to feature at Trimble event

ScaffPlan, the scaffolding design and management platform, is set...

Pilosio Partners with Sky Climber to Bring FlyDeck System to North America

Italian scaffolding manufacturer Pilosio has entered the North American...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Scaffolders Urged to Protect Swift Nests During Breeding Season

In response to recent incidents where scaffolding has obstructed swift nest sites, RSPB volunteer Kerry Dawson is issuing a heartfelt plea to scaffolding companies across the UK. This summer, two alarming cases have...

Latest Topics

Scaffolders take on 50-mile run to help colleague’s baby daughter

Two scaffolders from Northamptonshire are preparing to run an...

SMART Scaffolder to unveil new mobile app at ScaffEx25

SMART Scaffolder will launch its latest mobile app, SMART...

Scaffolding design platform ScaffPlan to feature at Trimble event

ScaffPlan, the scaffolding design and management platform, is set...

GEDA hoist supports restoration of historic Belgian church tower

Work is underway to restore the imposing tower of...
- Advertisement -