No re-opening date for Seaham or Horden tips after Minister's request

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said local authorities should open their gates in coming weeks in an announcement to the House of Commons.

He asked councils to ‘safely plan the organised opening of household waste collection sites - in line with social distancing guidelines - as a priority,’ and said guidance would be issued soon.

Durham County Council’s recycling centres, including those in Horden and Seaham, are all closed until further notice in line with the national rules on minimising public contact.

But Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of environment, confirmed the authority was looking at ways to reopen the centre while maintaining social distancing rules to protect users and staff and would be guided by the latest advice from Whitehall: “Recycling centres in County Durham remain closed as a result of national advice and regulations to stay at home,” he said

“We are aware the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that he will be asking councils to reopen sites over the coming weeks, and that government will be publishing amended guidance shortly to enable this.

“We will review the guidance as soon as it is published and in the meantime are in active discussions with our contractor to consider the practicalities of opening our facilities safely.”

Sunderland is also reviewing plans for its recycling operations.

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