Disrespectful visitors to South Shields' tip face police action after staff abused at Middlefields recycling village

Disrespectful visitors to South Tyneside’s tip have been warned they will be barred from entering and reported to police after staff suffered abuse in a number of incidents at the site.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 2nd Apr 2021, 16:28 GMT

Updated 3rd Apr 2021, 10:41 GMT

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

South Tyneside Counci issued the warning after reports of workers at the Middlefields Recycling Village dealing with incidents of poor behaviour from people visiting the Tyne Dock site, which is run by Suez on behalf of the local authority.

Bosses said offenders will be reported to Northumbria Police.

In a Facebook message, the council said: “We will not tolerate ANY abuse to staff at the Recycling Village.

Pictured is the queue for the tip when it first reopened during the first national lockdown. South Tyneside Council has issued a warning that anyone abusive to staff at the recycling village will face being asked to leave and reported to the police following a number of incidents at the site.

Pictured is the queue for the tip when it first reopened during the first national lockdown. South Tyneside Council has issued a warning that anyone abusive to staff at the recycling village will face being asked to leave and reported to the police following a number of incidents at the site.

"Those abusing staff will be asked to leave the queue.

"This is not acceptable. Please be respectful.”

Friends and families urged to enjoy Easter safely in South Tyneside

A spokesman for the council added: “Some residents have been verbally abusive to our staff at the Recycling Village.

South Tyneside Recycling Village, Middlefields, South Shields.

South Tyneside Recycling Village, Middlefields, South Shields.

“We would like to remind people that there are rules around accessing the Recycling Village and staff are merely enforcing them.

"We would urge people to be respectful to site staff who are working in difficult circumstances to help residents understand the drop off and recycling process.

"The staff are there to help residents make their visit as safe and quick as possible.

"We will not tolerate abusive behaviour and will report offenders to the police.”

The site is continuing to run a system where number plates which end with an odd number can visit on a date with an odd number, and ones which end with an even one can call in on dates with an even number in them.

In March, council chiefs were forced to put traffic measures in place to cope with a surge at the recycling village, which chiefs put down to spring cleaning and people from outside the borough using the tip.

They urged people to remember the pandemic and covid restrictions, and only make visits to the tip if essential.

Opening times have been extended for the Easter holiday period to help meet demand.

The recycling village is open from 8am to 6pm. Vans can visit with a permit between 9.30am to 11am. Last entry for cars is 5.50pm.

From Monday April 12 2021, the times will go back to 9am to 6pm.

:: For more details about rules and opening times at the recycling village, visit https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/33365/Recycling-Village-tip-.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.