Coronavirus (covid-19) information hub


 

NHS COVID-19 links: Vaccination | Symptoms | Get a test | Self isolation | NHS COVID-19 app

Service changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

There have been changes to some of our services due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please click on the links below for more information on how these services will run during this time:

Household Waste Recovery Centres (Tip) - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding Household Waste Recovery Centres (HWRCs), also known as 'tips'.

This information was last updated 30 September 2021

Our tips are currently open and operating at summer opening hours.

Site rules

To reduce risk of spreading COVID-19, residents are asked to respect staff and other users:
  • Practice social distancing measures at all times (by both staff and visitors).
  • Do not attend the site if you have been asked to self-isolate due to having/or having had possible COVID-19 symptoms.
  • If any households have had COVID-19 symptoms, then the waste should be left for 72 hours before being brought to site. Waste should be doubled bagged.
  • If you are using the site and don't require a permit, you may be asked to show proof that you live in Northumberland. If asked, you will need to provide evidence from a utility or council tax bill, or any other item that shows you are a resident of Northumberland. Please have these items to hand when you visit.
  • If you are using the HWRC sites under the permit scheme, you will be required to bring photo ID, such as a driving license, and proof of residency, such as a utility or council tax bill. 
  • If you are a blue badge holder and don't have help, the attendant will assist upon request.
Sites can accept
  • bagged general household waste
  • garden waste
  • cardboard
  • glass bottles
  • TVs
  • small electrical appliances
  • wood
  • carpets
  • bulky items of household waste such as old furniture.
  • mattresses
  • scrap metal
  • beverage and drinks cartons eg Tetrapacks
  • comingled materials eg paper, card, plastic bottles, aluminium & steel cans
  • fluorescent tubes
  • batteries - household and vehicle.
  • Construction waste, such as soil, rubble and plasterboard (disposal fees apply - credit card payments only)
  • All white goods (provided they can be carried by one person)
  • Compost sales have now resumed, where applicable (credit card payments only)
  • used engine oil and gas cylinders
These site rules apply to all residents visiting any of our HWRCs at all times.

We advise residents to recycle from home as much as possible in order to limit their time spent outside the home. The following items can be placed in household recycling bins: paper and magazines, cardboard, plastic bottles, clean/rinsed food tins, drinks cans, and aerosols.


Vans / trailers permit scheme

Please click here for more information about applying for a permit and booking a time slot at your local tip. 

Weddings and funerals - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding wedding Registration Services and funeral services, in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

This information was last updated 19 July 2021

From 19 July there will no longer be any restrictions on the number of people who can attend your ceremony
(other than the numbers approved as part of the venues original license)

Social Distancing and face coverings will no longer be mandatory, instead there has been a move into a phase of 'personal responsibility'.

To ensure everyone safety, the registrars will still maintain a 2 meter social distance between themselves, the couple and guests, they may also chose to wear a face covering when not conducting a wedding. As we attend lots of special days, isolation would have a huge impact on our service.

For more information click here.

If you have any queries regarding weddings or civil partnerships, please contact the Ceremony Team at alnwickreg@northumberland.gov.uk. 


Appointments   

We are still permitted to remain open for Notice of Marriage and Civil Partnership appointments, and parents can attend our offices to register births on an appointment basis. Please note that if you are looking to book a notice appointment, we are only able to take notices that are within 3 months of your marriage or civil partnership date. Any notice appointments that are already booked will not need to be rescheduled.  
 
The Northumberland Registration Service will continue to be there to support and assist our couples and be assured we will provide updates as soon as anything changes.   


Funerals 

Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted in these limits. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble. 

If you have any queries regarding funerals, please contact Bereavement Services at blyth.crematorium@northumberland.gov.uk.

Contact us

If you have any queries regarding weddings or civil partnerships, please contact the Ceremony Team at alnwickreg@northumberland.gov.uk. Regular updates are also available at mynorthumberlandwedding.co.uk and on Facebook and Twitter

If you have any queries regarding funerals, please contact Bereavement Services at blyth.crematorium@northumberland.gov.uk.

Libraries update - Coronavirus updates

Keep up to date with the latest library news here.

This information was last updated 21 July 2021.

Step 4 of Library Service Recovery

Visit Libraries safely

With the Government announcing easing of protective measures from July 19 we would like to reassure you that your safety remains our priority.

We want everyone using our libraries to feel safe so would ask that you treat others using the building with consideration as we know that many visitors remain cautious. So please choose to wear a face covering, sanitise your hands and respect others' space. Do not visit if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

We are managing the reintroduction of services so there will be local variations. For details of opening hours and services available from your local library, please ring ahead or click here to check online.

We ask you to continue to prebook 45 minute sessions on our Public Access IT.  If we have the safe space to offer, you will be able to study in the library.

Staff will be able to advise you when our regular activities such as Reading, Creative Writing or Knit and Natter groups will be starting up again. 

If you prefer to carry on collecting a selection of books made by library staff, you can arrange this as before but we are looking forward to helping you choose in person as soon as you feel able to visit us. 

Books can be returned to any library during the opening hours. Fines on overdue books are currently suspended.

The mobile library is operating an amended schedule and access onto the vehicle will continue to be restricted. Please check halt times by ringing 01670 620204.

Our digital library continues to offer hundreds of e-Books, e-Audio, e-newspapers and magazines to read. If you are not a library member you can join online today and access our digital library with your temporary borrower ID.

Our virtual events programme will continue as we deliver some Summer Reading Challenge events face to face with limited numbers so prebooking is essential, click here to find out more.

Our Digital Helpline is also still available for anyone who needs help with getting online or accessing online services. Call 0345 600 6400 and request a call back or complete this short form by clicking here.

Museums - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about Museums Northumberland and how they are affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 19 July 2021

The museums have created a COVID Visitor Guidelines for anyone visiting after the 19 July, click here to find out more. 

Woodhorn Museum, Hexham Old Gaol and Berwick Museum and Art Gallery are open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).

Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum is open from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday).
 
For more about these museums and online information please go to museumsnorthumberland.org.uk 

Tourism - Coronavirus updates

Here you can find the latest information regarding tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

From Monday 17 May, please see updated opening hours below:

Morpeth Chantry TIC

Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm
Closed Sunday

Craster TIC

Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm 

Seahouses TIC

Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 4pm

More information
For any enquiries please contact 0345 600 6400 and continue to check this page for further updates.

Visitor information is available from www.visitnorthumberland.com or by emailing: visitorinfo@northumberland.gov.uk

Active Northumberland - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about Northumberland leisure centres during the coronavirus pandemic.

This information was last updated 20 July 2021. 

With the removal of restrictions from Monday 19 July 2021 we will be moving forward to establish a New Normal for how our facilities operate to ensure they can be enjoyed by all.

We have been able to take many learnings from the systems we rolled out to help us run our facilities over the last year or so and it has allowed us to try new things which we haven't had before.

Initially, the following steps will be encouraged by all customers from Monday 19 July:

  • We have increased capacity at activities, however, please continue to pre-book your activities, this ensures you know when we have space and you can access the equipment, activity or service as you would hope 
  • Turn up on time, this means you can get the most from your session 
  • Changing facilities including showers available to all facility users 
  • Please continue to clean as you go after using equipment 
  • Wash or sanitise your hands at our points across our facilities 

We will continue to review everything to do with our facilities and services, with customer experience being our priority in all of these to ensure we can all enjoy.

For more information about updates and how to attend safely visit the Active Northumberland website by clicking here.

Northumberland Archives service - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about Northumberland Archives and how this service is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 19 July 2021.

The Berwick Record Office opening hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

Appointments and document requests must be made in advance via Eventbrite. For further information, please e-mail berwickarchives@northumberland.gov.uk or telephone 01289 301865. 

Please note only the Berwick Record Office will open at this time. The main office at Woodhorn will open later. 
 
If you need to contact the service, please call 01670 624 358.

Coroner's service - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding the coroner's service in Northumberland, and how this service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

The Northumberland Coroner's Office remains open, however we may be working remotely in response to the COVID-19 virus. 

All information concerning case referrals, queries, and any other business should now be sent to our email address: This email address is monitored between 8am and 4pm (Monday to Friday) and we will respond as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: The Coroner's Court continues to operate within the restrictions in place due to Covid-19. Please contact the Coroner's Office if you require any assistance.

 

The National Bereavement Partnership - COVID-19 Hub

This hub was created to provide support to all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the NHS Trusts and other relevant organisations.

Please click here for more information about The National Bereavement Partnership.

You can call their free helpline on 0800 448 0800, open every day from 7am - 10pm.

Cemeteries and crematorium - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding burials and cremations and how these are operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.


Cemeteries

Cemeteries remain open to the public.
 

Cremations

Due to the government guidelines, we have introduced some temporary measures to ensure that mourners are able to follow Government guidelines on social distancing.

A maximum of up to 30 people may attend a cremation service in person and they should be;
  • members of the person’s household,
  • close family members,
  • if the above are unable to attend, close friends,
  • attendance of a celebrant of choice, should the bereaved request this.
Webcasting:
To support loved ones who can not attend in person, we have made webcasting of the service available free of charge. Details of how families can access each service remotely via the internet has been sent to Funeral Directors who will be able to advise the family.
 

 

Burials

A maximum of up to 10 people may be present at the graveside and they should be;

  • members of the person’s household,
  • close family members,
  • if the above are unable to attend, close friends,
  • attendance of a celebrant of choice, should the bereaved request this.
 
Remember - it's really important everyone adheres to the social distancing guidance for the safety of themselves, families and our staff.
 
We understand that these restrictions may be difficult for families that are already going through a difficult time but urge people to follow the guidance to protect themselves and their loved ones. 
 
The link below details current government guidance regarding funerals:

Pest control - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding pest control in Northumberland, and how this service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

As of Monday 19 July, all pest treatment will be carried out as normal, we would however ask you to continue to social distance from the officer while the treatment is carried out.

To learn more about pest treatments and how to make a booking click here. 

Street care & cleaning - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about maintenance work carried out by the council and how this is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

We will continue delivering our street cleansing and winter grounds maintenance program to keep our country clean, green and safe. 
 
Remember - it's really important everyone sticks to the social distancing rules - so please keep away from our teams if you see them working - and we'll do likewise.

Markets - Coronavirus updates

The latest information on Northumberland Markets during the pandemic.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

From Tuesday 5 January, our markets remain open but only for the sale of essential goods. 

Click here to see locations and dates that our markets operate.

A list of what markets are open:

Wednesday:  Friday: Saturday: Tuesday:

Taxi licensing - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding taxi licensing in Northumberland, and how this is impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Please check the drop down boxes below for the new online renewal application forms and information about renewing your license.
To renew your hackney carriage / private hire drivers licence, please click here which will take you to the new online application form.

As part of the application process, you will need to attach the required documents including your driver's licence, passport, bank statement and council tax bill. 

Please note that you will need to provide proof of payment with your application, therefore you are required to pay the licence fee before you complete the online application form. Payment can be made using the clicking here. 

If you require a DBS Certificate the fee is £145.00 for one licence or £175.00 for two licences.  

If you are on the DBS update service, the fees are as follows:  
  • One year - £78.00 single licence (£108.00 two licences)  
  • Two years - £112.00 single licence (£142.00 two licences) 
  • Three years - £146.00 single licence (£176.00 two licences)  
If you are on the DBS update service, you will need to take a copy of your DBS certificate to add to the application. If you are not on the DBS update service, you will need to apply for a new DBS.  

You can apply for a new DBS by clicking here.

Organisation reference:  NCCPPL  
Password: NCC 

You will also need to provide us with a DVLA activation code which you can get by clicking here. This code is case sensitive, please record as capital letters or small case letters.
To renew your private hire vehicle licence, please click here which will take you to the new online application form.

The fee for a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle licence is £226.00 or where the vehicle is LPG or bio-diesel £204.00. 

Please note that you will need to provide proof of payment with your application, therefore you are required to pay the licence fee before you complete the online application form. 

Payment can be made by clicking here.  

Please book your MOT/Compliance test at one of the Northumberland County Council garages below: -
  • Alnwick Depot – 01670 624392  
  • Stakeford Depot – 01670 622937  
  • Tyne Mills Depot – 01670 623746  
Should you require any further information, please contact us at licensing@northumberland.gov.uk.
We are now processing new driver applications. Please email licensing@northumberland.gov.uk to book your knowledge test and Child & Adult Sexual Exploitation Training (CASE). Once you have passed the knowledge/locality test a member of the team will send you a private hire and/or hackney carriage drivers application form together with a group 2 medical application to be completed by your GP. Applicants should enquire with their GP as soon as possible as to whether they can access appointments for medical certificates. Licences cannot be granted without satisfactory medical certificates. 

 

Knowledge tests

You will need to pass a knowledge test which is now remote on a one to one basis and conducted via a virtual meeting using either microsoft teams or Google meet. To book a knowledge test please email licensing@northumberland.gov.uk A member of the team will take your payment and book you onto the next available test or at a time convenient to you. Please note there is a short waiting list at present. 

Child & Adult Sexual Exploitation Training (CASE)

As a temporary measure, CASE training is also currently being conducted remotely. To book onto the training please email licensing@northumberland.gov.uk A member of the team will take your payment and book you onto the next available training session. 
Applications are being processed but proprietors should contact the licensing section to discuss. 
 
The preferred contact method with the licensing department is by e-mail: 

Department for Transport (DfT)

Following the Prime Ministers announcement on 22nd September 2020, the Department for Transport (DfT) laid a Statutory Instrument in both Houses of Parliament to mandate the wearing of face coverings in taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in England under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. This regulation has now come into effect.   
  
In line with public transport and retail settings the Regulations gives new powers to taxi and PHV drivers to deny access to a service, and to direct someone to leave a service, if they are not wearing a face covering without a legitimate reason.  If passengers fail to comply, the Police have a power to remove passengers from a service (using reasonable force if necessary), and issue a Fixed Penalty Notice. The requirement only applies when a service is being provided i.e. passengers are not required to wear a face covering when the vehicle is used for personal use. 
  
We always recommended that passengers wear face coverings in PHVs and taxis and moving to mandating this is a reasonable additional step to take to reduce the risk of infection when used alongside other measures. We will also be working with taxi and PHV operators and drivers to ensure that all passengers are aware of the exemptions to this regulation. There are health, age, equalities and other reasons why someone may not be able to wear a face covering. It is crucial that operators and passengers are aware of these exemptions to ensure that everyone can have confidence in using public transport. DfT will publish updated guidance as soon as possible for operators and passengers on travelling safely during the outbreak. The guidance will reflect the latest information about face coverings. I would be grateful if you could share the change and the updated guidance with your licensees.
 
We would also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention a number of assets which DfT are creating to support our stakeholders to communicate this change. The assets will contain messages around how to ensure both drivers and customers are kept safe, as well as messaging on exemptions. They will be made available https://extranet.dft.gov.uk/safer-transport-campaign/ shortly alongside the existing assets we have available. Please do cascade these assets and resources to your members/networks.   
 
The following COVID guidance pages have been updated: 

Business waste collections - Coronavirus updates

Our Business Waste Collection service is still operating despite the latest restrictions due coronavirus (COVID-19)

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

If you are a business who currently has a waste collection contract with Northumberland County Council and are now able to reopen as we move into Stage 4 of the Covid-19 National lockdown restrictions, then please contact us on the link below to restart your waste collections.

 
Please let us know as soon as possible, so we can discuss different options that may be available for you.
 

 

Contact us

If you need to speak to a Waste Management Officer, please see the email addresses below for who to contact in your area:

Please note that the following email addresses are for business waste enquiries only.
 
For the Northern area, please contact Julie Case at julie.case@northumberland.gov.uk.
 
For the West and Central area, please contact Kevin Ferrol at 
 
For the South East area, please contact Matthew Swaddle at 

Birth and death registration - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding birth and death registrations, and how the service is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.


Births
We are doing face-to-face birth registrations. To arrange an appointment, please telephone 0345 600 6400.

However, if you live in North Tyneside and your baby was born at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, you will be able to do a birth declaration at the Riverside Children's Centre in North Shields. Please telephone 0191 643 8899 to make an appointment. 
 
Deaths
 
Due to the current guidelines regarding COVID-19, we are no longer offering face to face appointments to register a death.
 
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will be scanned directly to the Registrars by the hospital or doctor. The death will then be registered via telephone. Please call 0345 600 6400 to make an appointment. 
 
A death must be registered within five days.

Planning Services - Coronavirus updates

Guidance for our customers on the Planning Service during Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 06 August 2021. 

Validation
We are still experiencing high volumes of work and are trying hard to get through the backlog. All applications that are deemed valid will be registered from the date they were recieved. Thank you for your patience.

Update on progression of planning applications 
All details of a valid planning application are available to view on our Public Access system. It ​can take up to 7 working days from validation to allocate a Case Officer ​and any emails received during that time will not be acknowledged. The Case Officer will contact you in advance of a site visit if they need you to be present ​and will contact you if any further information is required.  Our Planners are dealing with high volumes of applications at present so please only contact them if absolutely necessary 0345 600 6400 and request a call back. The Officer will aim to respond within 3 working days. 

Notification letter / site notice / publicity  
If you have received a notification of a planning application/observed a site or press notice and wish to make comments please do this using our Public Access system to view application details and submit comments on a planning application. The case officer will take your comments into account during the assessment of the application however please note that you will not receive an individual acknowledgment and the case officer will not be corresponding with you directly.  We cannot send paper copies of application documents.  

Questions and advice
Before contacting us please read the information on our planning webpages as these may answer your query. We cannot give you advice on whether or not permission is required over the phone or by email because it takes time and further detail to assess this properly, for step by step advice read our Do I need planning permission guidance. Questions about specific applications should be directed to the Case Officer for that application. Their name can be found using the reference number on our Public Access system where you can also submit comments online. For anything else if you know the name of the person/team within Planning Services you need to contact please send your correspondence directly to them or view the email addresses for specific planning teams. If you are emailing us about a specific site or application please include the address/reference number so we can find it.

Changes/amendments to planning permissions
Any Government changes / extensions to permissions will be shown on our Planning News page.

Bulky Waste - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding bulky waste collections and how this service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

The bulky waste service will continue to operate within the latest national lockdown.

As you may be aware we have been running a restricted service that has meant we can't collect all items we usually can. From Monday 3 August 2020 we can begin to collect more of your items. However, we still cannot collect large exercise equipment such as treadmills and exercise bikes.

Contacting Customer Services

The latest information about accessing customer services.

Following the Government’s advice, it’s important we protect both our residents and our staff. 

The safest way for you to contact the council is via our website. You can also call us on 0345 600 6400 during office hours.

  • Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm 
  • Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm 
 

Face-to-face Information Centres

We are reopening our face-to-face information centres, using a phased approach as we monitor customer demand across all channels (telephone, website, social media, email, face to face etc).

The safety and wellbeing of customers and staff is our top priority. Please choose to wear a face covering, sanitise your hands, and respect others' space. Stay at home if you have any coronavrius symptoms.

Opening times
Opening hours may be subject to change. Please check this page regularly for the most up-to-date opening times.
 
Location Opening days Opening times Address
Berwick Mon, Weds, Fri 10am - 1pm Northumberland Information Centre, Berwick Library, Walkergate, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DB
Alnwick Mon - Fri 10.30am - 2.30pm Council Offices, Greenwell Lane, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HB
Ashington Mon - Fri 10.30am - 2.30pm Council Offices, Wansbeck Square, Station Road, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9XL
Blyth Mon - Fri 10.30am - 2.30pm Northumberland Information Centre, Blyth Library, 20 Bridge Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2DJ
Cramlington Mon, Weds, Fri 9am - 12noon 1st Floor, The Community Hub, Forum Way, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 6YB
Hexham Mon, Weds, Fri 10am - 1pm Northumberland Information Centre, Queens Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3LS

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Public toilets

Here is a list of all Northumberland County Council maintained public conveniences, including disabled access and baby changing facilities.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

See the list below for which toilets are open and when.

Toilets not detailed in the list below are currently closed due to Covid-19 health and safety concerns. Please follow appropriate social distancing guidance and directions on safety signs at the facilities.

This list will be updated as health and safety issues are reviewed.
If you have any issues and wish to report a problem, please use the link below: Alternatively, if you wish to make any comments or suggestions about any toilet units, please contact 0345 600 6400.
The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (R.A.D.A.R), alongside disability organisations, local authorities and others, established a national key scheme (NKS) for toilets for disabled people in 1981.

The principle is if a local authority locks public toilets for disabled people, it can use a standard lock and make arrangements for disabled people to obtain a key.

Can I purchase a R.A.D.A.R key from Northumberland County Council?
You can obtain a key from tourist information centres or from customer services information centres throughout Northumberland at a cost of £3.60 including VAT.

R.A.D.A.R keys must have VAT charged at 20% unless a 0% VAT for individuals form is signed by each disabled person. This form is available to download here and from tourist information and customer service information centres. The key will fit all national toilets participating in the scheme.

Housing visits and repairs - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding housing visits and repairs in Northumberland and how this service is affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 19 July 2021.

We are continuing to deliver a full Repairs Service (Including Gas Servicing). Any staff undertaking work within tenants homes will be following risk assessments, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and asking tenants to maintain social distancing for the duration of any works.

Following disruption to services throughout this year due to previous Covid restrictions and impact on materials and supply chain, we are still working to get through a backlog of repairs jobs, so appointment times may take longer than normal. 

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