Wearside

Wearside ( /ˈwɪər/) is an area of north east England, centred on the continuous urban area formed by Sunderland, Seaham and other settlements by the River Wear. Mackems is a nickname used for the people of Wearside.

The principal part of Wearside is the City of Sunderland, including Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, Shiney Row and in the south, Ryhope and Hetton-le-Hole. Additional settlements considered within Wearside as part of the 'Sunderland Urban Area' are Easington and Seaham. Its population is quoted at around 200,000. and also a higher 280,807 for the 'City of Sunderland'.

Economy

Like other parts of the North East, Wearside and Sunderland were economically structured by Primary industry; with a great deal of the economy once dependent on ship building and coal mining with large collieries such as Monkwearmouth Colliery, which declined rapidly during the mid 20th century, many areas have long been deprived with vast areas of unemployment as a result. The city of Sunderland and parts of Wearside have been slowly rejuvenated over the years and industry is now largely based around call centres , although many areas such as Easington still face social problems today.

Media

The Sunderland Echo is the prime newspaper of Wearside and is sold throughout the area. Online Wearside is covered primarily by BBC Wear a regional subdivision of the BBC.

Sport

The Wearside Football League is one of the levels in the English football league system and contains amateur teams such as Easington Colliery A.F.C. and Seaham Red Star F.C.. The only professional football team located in the area is Sunderland A.F.C., a Premier League based in Sunderland.

External links

• BBC Wear
• Wearside online