Tips to open – provided your number is up

GATESHEAD’S tips are set to reopen on Monday – but strict new rules mean your number plate will dictate when you can go.

The council’s two tips closed on March 24 because of Government guidance on essential travel, which did not include travel to household waste and recycling centres.

Under guidance issued by the Government, sites at Campground in Wrekenton and Cowen Road in Blaydon will reopen on May 11.

However, only waste which poses a risk of injury, health or harm can be taken to the dump.

Strict social distancing measures will be put in place and new ways of operating will apply, including the introduction of a temporary odd and even number plate system to help manage traffic and reduce queuing.

This means you can only visit council tips on certain days depending on your vehicle number plate. Only cars, and no vans, will be allowed access.

A calendar is available on the waste and recycling centres page of the Gateshead Council website.

The centres will be open from 8am to 8pm daily and those wishing to use them may be asked to show proof of address.

Only bagged household waste, garden waste, cardboard, wood and bulky waste including old furniture will be accepted.

Coun John Adams, portfolio holder for housing, transport and environment, said: “Opening up these centres, we know, is important to local people but we are still in lockdown so residents should only make a trip if it is absolutely necessary.

“We are expecting the sites to be very busy and we will have to limit the number of cars on site at any one time.”