People who continue to flout COVID-19 lockdown restrictions by having house parties are putting lives at risk, says North Tyneside Council.
Although most people in the borough have been adhering to the restrictions, the council has had to break up more than 100 house parties in one week and reported a ‘huge increase’ in the number of complaints received.
The council is now keen for people to understand the danger of having social gatherings at home and has issued a warning to more than 100 properties across the borough and obtained three closure notices via video link to the courts.
These included one address in Killingworth, where 10 people from different households were enjoying a BBQ in the garden, and another in North Shields where the council is taking further action after a party was held despite previous warnings.
In Camperdown, multiple complaints were received about an address that has been hosting garden parties. The resident will be visited by Police and council officers and a closure notice may be issued, despite it being a private property.
Phil Scott, Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure at North Tyneside Council, said the gatherings are putting people’s lives at risk.
He said: “For the most part, people in North Tyneside showed great self-discipline and resolve by staying at home and social distancing over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“However, some people decided to ignore the lockdown restrictions by having loud parties and social gatherings, and we were shocked to receive 156 complaints over the weekend, which is a huge increase on the number we normally receive. It is important to stress that we have over 200,000 people in North Tyneside.
“We understand how badly everyone wants to get back to normality and spend time with family and friends, but some people apparently don’t understand that by socialising and partying, they are causing a direct risk to the lives of their family and friends.
“Staying at home is essential to protect ourselves, our families, our communities and the NHS by preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. We would prefer it if people stuck to the rules without the police and council having to get involved.”
Residents can report suspected breaches online or by email community.protection@northtyneside.gov.uk.
The authority’s CCTV van is also patrolling the borough keeping an eye out for gatherings.
The public can also report gatherings by dialling 643 3333 and follow voice instructions.