RUBBISH tips across the North-East and North Yorkshire are remaining open during the second lockdown. The decision comes after a rise in flytipping earlier this year.

Rubbish tips closed during the fist lockdown and reopened in May but journeys to dispose of rubbish had to be "essential".

This time, under government guidance, heading to a waste or recycling centre between November 5 and December 2 is allowed. 

Darlington Council has confirmed its rubbish tip is staying open during the four-week lockdown period after launching a booking system and introducing social distancing in June.

A Darlington Council spokesperson: “The tip will remain open during the lockdown period and the existing appointment system will be in place.

"This system has proved to be a successful way to operate the tip in a Covid-safe way allowing our residents to use the facility to dispose of their waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Bookings can be made through our website.”

The Northern Echo: Fly-tipping outside Darlington's tip in AprilFly-tipping outside Darlington's tip in April

Durham and Stockton councils also confirmed household waste recycling centres will remain open.

Haverton Hill, which caters to Stockton and Middlesbrough residents, is appointment-only. Residents using this site must also bring proof of their address. 

North Yorkshire County council said its tips will remain open with some restrictions but urged people to stay at home as much as possible and only use them "if you have to".

The decision to keep tips open comes after some local authorities saw a large increase in fly-tipping during the first lockdown.

In April, Richmond District Council said its officers dealt with a three-fold increase in fly-tipping and Hambleton District council saw 18 fly-tipping incidents between April 1 and April 17.

Early in the pandemic, homeowners were urged not to undertake any large renovation jobs that would cause rubbish they were unable to store.