Question mark over services during Lockdown 2 as Sunderland leaders 'await Government guidance'

The confirmation of the month-long restrictions was made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a press conference on Saturday, October 31, and will come into force from Thursday, November 5, until Wednesday, December 2.

With just another day to go before the rules come in, Sunderland City Council say it is still waiting for the details it needs to make a decision on how its services will be hit by the move.

During the first lockdown which started in March, public toilets, seafront and park car parks and its recycling village in Beach Street Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) were closed, while its garden waste collection service was also put on hold.

While it is yet to be confirmed what will happen this time round, the authority has already said the tip will remain open – with visit times still to be booked in advance by residents – while bin collections will go ahead as usual.

Today, Tuesday, November 3, the Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: “Ahead of the second lockdown, the city council is awaiting final guidance from the Government.

"Once we have received this further information we will be providing more updates on services as soon as possible.

“We have continued to support and work closely with residents, communities and businesses throughout the Covid pandemic and will continue to do so.

“What I can confirm is that during the first lockdown there were no changes to household waste and recycling collections and there are no changes planned during the second lockdown.

“So please do make sure you keep putting your blue or green bin out on your collection days.

“Our household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) at Beach Street and Campground, Wrekenton, remain open during this lockdown and we will continue to collect up to six bulky items for £10.

“Appointments for HWRCs and bulky collections can be booked online at sunderland.gov.uk.”

The site in Wrekenton is run by Gateshead Council but open to residents from the Sunderland council area.

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