South Tyneside's leaders await more detail on 'unanswered questions' as they look at what new announcements mean for life in borough

South Tyneside’s leaders are awaiting further details of changes to lockdown rules and how best to help people in the borough stay safe after Boris Johnson’s announcement on Sunday.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A raft of closures and service changes in the borough came into play in March 2020 as the pandemic worsened and lockdown was eventually announced.

Coastal car parks have been closed, services cancelled or altered and facilities shut down to help social distancing and keep people safe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

South Tyneside Council’s leader Iain Malcolm said the Prime Minister’s update to the nation on Sunday evening left ‘unanswered questions’ and town hall chiefs would await more details before deciding on how best to act.

A quiet King Street and Fowler Street, South Shields, over the Bank Holiday weekend.A quiet King Street and Fowler Street, South Shields, over the Bank Holiday weekend.
A quiet King Street and Fowler Street, South Shields, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Coun Iain Malcolm said: “The Prime Minister’s address has left unanswered questions for many and we look forward to seeing more details on the Government’s plan as soon as possible.

“It is vital that people across South Tyneside are provided with the detailed guidance they need so that they can ‘stay alert’.

“I can reassure residents that we will continue to do all we can to help the people of South Tyneside through this crisis as we adapt to any changes going forward.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“For now though it remains very clear that we must all continue to observe social distancing.

“We would also actively encourage all residents to continue to stay at home as much as they can.”

The council leader added: “We are working day and night to protect our most vulnerable, help our local businesses, keep important services running and support our health partners and to defeat this disease.

“What we need now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance from the Government explaining what exactly is expected of the public.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Johnson’s address included a “road map” to show the UK’s way out of lockdown, with the PM stressing the plan would be “conditional” and led by science.

Key points include the introduction of a new ‘Covid Alert System’ with five levels to determine how quickly lockdown restrictions could be eased, unlimited outdoor exercise from Wednesday May 13 and bigger fines for those breaking social distancing rules.

People who cannot work from home are being encouraged to return to the workplace – but avoid public transport.

At least some pubs , restaurants, hotels and other public places could begin to reopen in July at the earliest “if and only if the numbers support it,” the PM said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government is also using a “stay alert” message which has replaced the previous call to “stay at home”.

Other planned changes include a potential “phased” reopening of schools for primary school pupils from June 1.In response to the announcements,

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to address Parliament today to provide further details on the lockdown changes before taking questions from the public in the daily briefing at 5pm.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.