Storms

Overview

Teams from across South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Homes and our contractors are responding to incidents caused by the Storm.

Assessments continue to take place and the clear up is ongoing.

Staying safe

We urge everyone in South Tyneside to take care, stay safe.

Please only make essential journeys and stay home wherever possible. If you do need to go out then take care, remain vigilant and stay safe.
Please do not travel to coastal areas to observe high tides - this risks putting yourself and others in danger.
Please avoid walking near trees as they pose a threat to passers-by

See guidance on what to do before, during and after a storm.

How we prioritise responding to incidents

We are responding to incidents on a priority basis.

The Council's first priority is the protection of life, including that of staff and contractors working at the scene
Secondly, the protection of property and assets will be prioritised.

Road closures

Road closures are in place to address safety concerns.

Diversions are in place, with access for local residents.

The following roads / pavements have been recently closed following Storm Malik

Madras Street, South Shields
Pavement closed off due to a dangerous structure

Priority roads and routes

Main roads, footpaths and emergency routes take priority.

The Council responds wherever there is a report of a fallen tree or branch obstructing or preventing safe use of roads.

This is regardless of whether the tree is located on privately owned or council property, as the priority is to clear the highway and make it safe.

Damage to properties that can cause further damage will be dealt with first.

Other lower risk incidents will be dealt as soon as is practical.

Fallen trees

Teams are out dealing with fallen trees across borough. Many sites have already been cleared.

Issues are being dealt with on a priority basis.

To report a fallne tree, you can contact the Council on 0191 427 7000, or by emailing customerhelp@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Power

Northern Powergrid is seeing damage to its power network.

Northern Powergrid is warning local people who spot any damaged cables or equipment not to approach the area, as equipment may still be live and pose a risk of electrocution.

Customers must contact the company immediately by calling 105.

See Northern Powergrid for the latest information.

School closures

Check the school closures website for the latest information:

See school closures.

South Tyneside Homes properties

See how to report a repair on the South Tyneside Homes website:

See South Tyneside Homes.

Welfare and crisis support

See Welfare Support Service.

Transport and diversions

For up-to-the-minute public transport information visit www.nexus.org.uk.

Rogue traders

The Council's Trading Standards team is urging people to be on the alert as they often see an increase in the number of complaints about suspected rogue traders attempting to scam residents.

These scams often involve householders being given a low price for repair jobs such as roof repairs, but these prices can escalate quickly with residents often pressurised into paying for more work than is actually necessary.

Residents are urged not to feel pressured to agree to work on the doorstep and remind them that they have a 14 day cooling off period in which they can change their mind. Anyone who doesn't tell people this is breaking the law.

It's your home - you don't have to let anyone in. A genuine tradesperson will understand this. You have the right to ask all unwanted callers to go away and not to return.

Residents can search for approved tradespeople in the Business Approval Register. Businesses listed have undergone certain background checks, so that consumers can have confidence when searching for tradespeople.

Visit www.businessapprovalregister.com or call 0333 920 2128.

If a cold caller becomes aggressive, residents are advised to call the police immediately on 999.

To report incidents of this type in South Tyneside or to order a No Cold Calling card for a door or window, please contact Trading Standards at trading.standards@southtyneside.gov.uk, or call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 2231133.

Latest updates

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For more information, please follow South Tyneside Council on Facebook, and social media feeds of our partners at the MET office and Environment Agency.

Page last updated: Monday 7 February, 10:19am