This was the queue outside South Shields tip as it reopened after a seven-week closure due to coronavirus restrictions

Monday morning rush hour was back today as people made a bid to be the first in line to visit the tip in South Shields.
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It was closed on Tuesday, March 24, by South Tyneside Council as social distancing rules were brought in by the Government, but has been relaunched after Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick asked authorities to reopen them under guidance to keep visitors and staff safe.

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The Tyne Dock site, which is run by contractor Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, was open at 8am today, Monday, May 11, with cars left queuing close to outside the Dicksons factory and towards the junction with Boldon Lane.

It was a busy start for the Tyne Dock tip earlier today, as it reopened after seven weeks.It was a busy start for the Tyne Dock tip earlier today, as it reopened after seven weeks.
It was a busy start for the Tyne Dock tip earlier today, as it reopened after seven weeks.

A short time later, the trail of vehicles dropped, leaving visitors facing a shorter wait.

Signs have been put in place advising how long people can expect to wait before they get access to the skips, with a wait of around 45 minutes for those on Heddon Way.

The council has issued a reminder that trips should be made for essential waste only and asked people to no cause an obstruction by waiting on the main road, with Boldon Lane an essential route for the emergency services.

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A council spokesperson said: “The Recycling Village has been busy as expected.

A number plate admission system has been set up to help manage access to the site.A number plate admission system has been set up to help manage access to the site.
A number plate admission system has been set up to help manage access to the site.

“However, we are pleased that visitors have worked with us, adhering to the new measures put in place to help protect both themselves and staff.

“We thank them for their support.

“We would like to remind residents that the Recycling Village is open for essential waste only at this time and that they should only travel to the site if they can’t store any additional waste safely at home.

Residents can further support us by separating materials before they travel to help limit their time on-site, and if the queue reaches Boldon Lane, then to come back later.

Cars queueing up towards Boldon Lane earlier today.Cars queueing up towards Boldon Lane earlier today.
Cars queueing up towards Boldon Lane earlier today.
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“We have extended the opening hours so that residents can use the facility up to 8pm, however we would appeal for visitors not to arrive before opening time at 8am.

“We thank residents for their patience and understanding during these difficult times and continue to monitor operations over the coming days and weeks.”

The council has also said the registration plate system, where odd numbers are allowed in today, then evens tomorrow before operating on an alternate basis, is “working well.”

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How the registration plate odd/even days system works and new rules as South Shi...
Some had to wait for a while as they visited the Middlefields tip on its first day in seven weeks.Some had to wait for a while as they visited the Middlefields tip on its first day in seven weeks.
Some had to wait for a while as they visited the Middlefields tip on its first day in seven weeks.

The site is open from 8am to 8pm each day.

Only cars are allowed on the site as it stands, with just one person allowed out of the car, unless they need help in which case a person from the same household will be able to go to their aid.

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Staff at the site will not be able to assist people with dumping their items.

All waste must be bagged at only residual waste, garden waste, woods and cardboard is allowed for now and people may be asked for proof of residence.

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Signs have been put up on Middlefields Industrial Estate letting people know how long they can expect to wait to get into the Recycling Village.Signs have been put up on Middlefields Industrial Estate letting people know how long they can expect to wait to get into the Recycling Village.
Signs have been put up on Middlefields Industrial Estate letting people know how long they can expect to wait to get into the Recycling Village.

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