Coronavirus (covid-19) information hub

Northumberland is currently in national lockdown


 

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:

Libraries update - Coronavirus updates

Keep up to date with the latest library news here.

This information was last updated 12 February 2021
 

Our Select and Collect service is available at the following libraries:
  • Amble between 10am - 4pm on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's.
  • Bellingham between 10am - 1pm on Wednesday and 1pm - 4pm on Friday's. (starting week commencing Mon 15 Feb)
  • Blyth, Hexham, Morpeth between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday and Saturdays 10am - 1pm.
  • Berwick between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday.
  • Ashington and Cramlington between 10am - 2pm Monday - Friday.
  • Haltwhistle between 10am - 1pm on Monday and Wednesday's.
  • Rothbury between 10am - 2pm on Mondays and 10am - 4pm on Thursday's.
  • Seaton Sluice between 10am - 1pm on Wednesday's.
  • Wooler between 10am - 2pm on Monday

Books can be returned to these libraries during these hours. They will not be able to offer time limited browsing or PC access. The mobile library service will not operate its normal schedule.

All other libraries will remain closed. Fines on overdue books are currently suspended.

Libraries will be reinstating their befriending telephone calls and doorstep deliveries for vulnerable residents in the county.

Please note Alnwick Library is closed for remedial work following some water damage.
To learn about their digital library, check the details at mylibrary.co.uk
 
For further updates continue to check this page as well as the Northumberland Libraries social media pages:

Schools - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest information about schools in Northumberland affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 5 January 2021.

Information about schools

Nursery and Early Years settings 

Early years settings such as nurseries, alternative provision and special schools will remain open and vulnerable children and children of critical workers can continue to use registered childcare, childminders and other childcare activities.

Attendance in nurseries, childminders and other early years providers remains optional, but we strongly encourage you to take up a place for your child. You can check if your child is eligible for any of the free childcare entitlements, worth on average £2,500 a year to parents of 2 year olds, and up to £5,000 a year to parents of 3 and 4 year-olds, on the Childcare Choices website.
 

Schools

All primary, first, middle, secondary, high schools and colleges have now moved to remote learning, except for the children of key workers and vulnerable children. While children are still very unlikely to be severely affected by COVID-19, the government recognises that schools must be included in the restrictions in order to have the best chance of getting the virus under control as schools can act as vectors of transmission, causing the virus to spread between households when rates are high.

Schools will be required to provide remote education for those learning at home.

Critical workers guidance is outlined clearly on the Government website here.
Vulnerable children and young people guidance can be found here. 

 

Examinations

Examinations in the summer term will not go ahead as planned. Alternative arrangements that will allow students to progress fairly, are being drawn up.

Public exams and vocational assessments scheduled to take place in January will go ahead as planned.
 

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable children

Those children whose GP's and/or consultants have confirmed they are still clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend education whilst the national restrictions are in place. Schools will need to make appropriate arrangements to enable them to continue their education at home. Please speak to your school about this.

Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but who are not clinically extremely vulnerable themselves, can still attend education if they themselves are identified as vulnerable or a child of a keyworker.
 

Self-isolating children and families

In line with public health advice those who are self-isolating and have had symptoms or a positive test result, or because they are a close contact of someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19) should not attend school even if identified under those areas where a child can attend school at this time. We advise you speak directly with your school to ensure the right support is provided remotely. 

The Local Authority continues to work with headteachers across the county to support them in the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures based on their risk assessments, and in line with Government guidance. These will continue to be in place for those children and young people continuing to access face-to-face education within their school. 
 

School transport will be provided, but this is dependent on the number of pupils who wish to travel, the availability of drivers, and the start times schools may operate.

Parents should contact their child’s school to discuss arrangements.

You can find the full questions and answers document here. 
The scheme outlines that if a school catering service cannot provide meals or food parcels, they should offer pupils from families that are eligible for benefits-related free school meals an alternative.
 
We are continuing to accept free school meal applications at this time. If you think your child is eligible but you are not currently claiming, you can contact us on 0345 600 6400 (Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm), or apply by submitting this application form:

Please click here to view the free school meals application form.

You can find the full questions and answers document here. 

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 5 January 2021



Tips will remain open under National Lockdown restrictions

As of Tuesday 5 January, and Northumberland entering National Lockdown restrictions, there is no change to current service provision at any of Northumberland's HWRC sites.  However, we must stress that any trips to the HWRC should be deemed 'essential', as per central government guidance:



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.

 

New vans and trailers permit scheme - available now

The household waste permit scheme was reintroduced on Monday 26 October. Please click here for more information about applying for a permit and booking a time slot at your local tip. 

Active Northumberland - Coronavirus updates

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

This information was last updated 31 December 2020. 

 

Once again we are faced with the news that we must close our facilities due to the changes in Tier restrictions which come into force on Thursday 31st December.

We will soon be issuing an email to customers with details and advising you the steps we are taking regarding your memberships.

Please appreciate and have patience with us at this time as we have a number of staff on annual leave so there may be delays in responding to enquiries.

Hopefully our period of closure will not be too long and we can welcome you back again soon.

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 25 February 2021


Following the government's announcement on 22 February 2021 which outlined the recovery roadmap for England, we are delighted to now have clarity around wedding and civil partnership ceremonies from 8 March 2021 onwards. We'd like to share this detail with you regarding ceremonies, funerals and commemorative events as follows - 
  • From 8 March 2021, weddings and civil partnerships will be permitted with 6 attendees but only under exceptional circumstances.; for example, where one of those getting married or forming a civil partnership is seriously ill and not expected to recover or is due to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery. 
  • From the 29 March, weddings and civil partnerships will be permitted with 6 attendees (in locations where covid security restrictions will allow them).  
  • From no earlier than 12 April 2021, weddings, civil partnerships,  receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees (in premises that are permitted to open). 
  • From no earlier than 17 May 2021,  weddings, civil partnerships, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 attendees (in locations where covid security restrictions will allow them). 
  • From no earlier than 21 June 2021 there will be no legal attendance limits placed on any life events. 
The government will announce one week in advance of each of these dates whether restrictions will be eased as planned, as before changes can be made in line with this timetable, its essential that the government criteria has been met. 
 
Covid safety measures (social distancing and facemasks) will still be in place to ensure everyone's safety until further notice 
 
We appreciate that whilst it's fantastic to finally see a way forward, these key steps are still subject to review and may still affect couples' plans. We expect our phone lines will be very busy but please rest assured we are here for all our couples and we will respond if you have any questions or queries. 
 
Until then we will continue following the guidence in place. 
 
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.

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 5 January 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.

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 5 January 2021.

Due to the current national lockdown restrictions Northumberland Archives Service will not be open for public visits at this time. 
 
You can contact the service from Monday to Friday on 01670 624358 or by email at archives@northumberland.gov.uk
 
Find out more about the service at www.northumberlandarchives.com
 
If you need to contact the service, please call 01670 624 358.
 
Continue to check our website and social media pages for further updates.
Please do have a look at some our online resources:

Archives - Service Updates

Museums - Coronavirus updates

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

This information was last updated 5 January 2021

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Woodhorn Museum, Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, Hexham Old Gaol and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum will all remain closed to the public at this time.
 
For more about these museums and online information please go  to museumsnorthumberland.org.uk 

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 4 January 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:

Tourism - Coronavirus updates

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

This information was last updated 5 January 2021. 

Due to the new national lockdown restrictions Tourist Information Centres are now closed. 


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

Parking - Coronavirus update

The latest information about parking in Northumberland and how it is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was updated 2 Decemeber 2020

All public car parks remain open. Car parks that charge to park will continue to do so. The council will keep the car park openings under review as the situation may change depending on local or national developments. 

Public safety remains our top priority and we have made a number of improvements in response to the challenges faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, including;-

  • relocating a number of ticket machines in coastal car parks to better facilitate social distancing in the event of queues forming during busy periods

  • introducing Pay By Phone into our Pay and Display car parks to provide a convenient contactless method of payment removing the need for users to obtain a pay and display ticket from the machines

  • providing additional public toilet facilities in some of our car parks because of increased demand on our existing facilities and to enable social distancing to be maintained

Pay By Phone is used by many local authorities across the country. Users only need to set up an account once and then it can be used in all car parks where Pay By Phone is in operation. The service also offers additional benefits such as being able to extend parking sessions remotely.

For further information on the implementation of Pay By Phone, please click here

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 14 January 2021.

From the 31 August 2020 all pest treatments will return to normal. This will remain the same throughout the national lockdown restrictions in Northumberland, beginning Tuesday 5 January. Any changes during this period will be updated here.

There will be reduced availability for appointments in the last week of each month from January to March 2021.

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 5 January 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 5 January 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:

Bin collection - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding bin collections and how the service is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 5 January 2021

 

Check your bin collection date here

  

Bin Collections

Our bin collection teams are still out and about, working to collect your normal household rubbish and recycling bins. We're also running our commercial waste service to businesses.

There will be no change to refuse collections under the National Lockdown restrictions beginning Tuesday 5 January; service will continue as normal.

Please click here to see our alerts page, where we will update you on any issues we have with collecting your bins.

You can help by thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your bins. 

If someone in your household had symptoms for COVID-19, please make sure their waste is also double-bagged, the handles of each bag are tied, and is stored for 72 hours in a place not accessed by people/pets before putting in it your bin.

We will respond to advice from the government and Public Health England, and will keep residents informed of changes to our waste services. 

If you suspect that someone has the Coronavirus, here is the government advice on what to do with their waste, and how to clean any areas where they have been:

Taxi licensing - Coronavirus updates

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

This information was last updated 1 December 2020. 

Important coronavirus update - Hackney carriage/Private hire licensing

Due to emergency steps being taken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Northumberland County Council has introduced a simplified process for the renewal of driver and vehicle licences. This simplified process will remain in place until it is considered reasonable to return to standard operating procedures.

As you will appreciate the licensing staff are no longer able to operate from the Council Offices. However, all Licensing staff are now mainly working from home and can deal with enquiries. These changes have been made to help minimise the risk and spread of the virus, and to keep our staff and customers safe.

Unfortunately our main Licensing number is not accessible, but you can ring the Council Customer Services on 0345 600 6400 and they can forward your enquiry to the Licensing section. An easier option will be to email: licensing@northumberland.gov.uk and someone will respond. All face to face appointments have been suspended until further notice.

As a temporary measure, renewal driver badges and renewed vehicle plates may not be issued immediately. Instead, an acknowledgement will be e-mailed to you. You must carry this with you whenever you are working in order to prove that you, or your vehicle, are still licensed. Appointments will be made for plates to be collected from Stakeford Depot. Drivers Badges will be posted out when they have been produced.
 

Renewing a licence

Driver renewals

Drivers can apply to renew their driver's licences online. 

Applicants will be contacted following receipt of an application and invited to make payment and forward any required documents.  

It is understood that at the current time applicants may have difficulty obtaining medical certificates.  Where this is the case applicants should contact the licensing section as soon as possible

Vehicle renewals
Applicants can apply to renew their vehicle licences online. Applicants will be contacted following receipt of an application and invited to make payment and forward any required documents.

It is understood that there may be delays in relation to vehicle testing.  Applicants should notify the licensing section of the vehicle test date as soon as possible. 

New licences 

Please see the drop down boxes below for new driver and vehicle applications. 

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 5 January 2021.

If you are a business who currently has a waste collection contract with Northumberland County Council, and due to the latest Covid-19 National lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on Wednesday 6 January, means your business will remain temporarily closed, then please contact us if you wish to amend your waste collection contract.

 
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 

Music activities through home schooling - (Covid-19)

The latest information about Music Partnership North with advice and resources about online music tuition, home schooling, music resources and latest guidance or support available.

This page was last updated on 4 Feb 2021

Information for Parents - Online music tuition

If your child's school is not currently allowing music tutors into the school then we will still offer an online service where possible. All the relevant information and registration process can be accessed by following this link (please be aware that a separate parental consent form will need to be completed prior to lessons starting.) The cost of online lessons are: 20 mins £12.00 and 30 mins £17.50.
 


Information for Schools - Risk Assessments

Music Resources

BBC Bitesize and YouTube showing the traditions and origins of:

A helpful list of music resources including ones created by us with Culture bridge linked here.
 

Maintenance of Instruments


MPN Office Team contact details can be found here.

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 5 January 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 5 January 2021. 

There have been changes to how some of our services operate due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). For the latest up-to-date information please read our Planning Services Frequently Asked Questions - Covid-19 Guidance Document.


To submit an application please see our Apply for Planning Permission page.

ALERT: Validation delays. We are currently experiencing high volumes of work and as a result there are currently delays with Validation. We are working hard to get through the back log. All applications that are deemed valid will be registered from the date they were recieved. Thank you for your patience.

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.

For the protection of residents and staff the duty planner 'drop in' service is suspended. However the duty planner telephone service will be available from 10am - 2pm Monday to Friday via the Customer Services number 0345 600 6400. You may be asked to leave a message if the duty planner is on another call (or if you call outside of these times) so please include any application reference and your email address with your message so we can provide an informed response. 

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.

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 5 January 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 Service, Information Centres & Registrars

The latest information about public access to Customer Service, Information Centres, and Registrars, in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 10 February 2021.

Following the Government’s advice, it’s important we protect both our residents and our staff. The council has restricted public access to our buildings.

Customer Service Information Centres and Registrars have moved to a first point of contact being a digital recommendation. We will not have any front of house staffing and facilities, and will only offer a limited face to face service available at our sites if it is safely managed, by appointment only, and after a risk assessment deems it necessary to do so.  
 
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 08:30am - 5pm 
  • Friday 08:30am - 4:30pm 

We now have dedicated #Coronavirus section on our website dedicated to provide you with the information and updates on our services. Click here to view our coronavirus information and updates.

 

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Garden waste collection - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding garden waste collection in Northumberland during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 21 January 2021

 

The next collections of garden waste will take place in March 2021.
You can sign-up and pay for the 2021 garden waste service now. 


More garden waste information

For more information on your garden waste service, please click here. You can find out information such as: 

  • How to subscribe to the service
  • What can and can't go in your garden waste bin
  • How to report a missed garden waste collection

Animal welfare - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding animal welfare issues during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 5 January 2021.

Please keep your dogs safe and secure during this national crisis. If your dog strays or runs away, there will not be as many members of the public out and about to help locate your dog as normal.
 
Help your local animal welfare team out by:
  • Making sure your dog is always wearing a collar and tag with current contact details (and check microchip details are up to date)
  • Not leaving your dog unattended in the garden or while on walks
  • Checking garden fencing and gates are secure
  • Keeping your dog on a lead while exercising, in case they get spooked or run off
If you are concerned about the welfare of a pet – report an animal welfare issue.
 
This is not to be used for reporting problems with wild animals such as birds, rodents, foxes, etc. There are various organisations, such as the RSPB and the RSPCA, which can help in these cases.

If you have lost your dog, or have found a stray dog, please click here to report lost/stray dog.

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 5 January 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.

Parks - Coronavirus updates

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

This information was last updated 6 January 2021

Country parks in Northumberland


Cafes at the county's Country Parks are to temporarily close at the end of Wednesday 6 January.

While the cafes are legally allowed to stay open for takeaway under current lockdown restrictions, the council has decided to close them. 

While people are permitted to undertake exercise in their local area – meaning avoiding travelling outside their village, town or the part of a city where they live, they should be predominantly staying in their homes where possible or not prolonging their exercise in country parks with takeaway food or drink.

All our country parks will remain open.  You can find out more about our country parks here.


Play parks and town parks in Northumberland


All the county council run parks and play areas are open. Find out more about our parks here.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, no water parks are open and there are no plans to reopen them this summer.

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 5 November 2020.

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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