Bank Holiday Arrangements for State Funeral

Residents of South Tyneside are being advised of some changes to Council services on the day of Her Majesty The Queen's state funeral.

A Bank Holiday has been declared across the UK on Monday 19 September. 

In line with Government guidance, essential services will continue to be delivered by the Council.

The Council's Contact Centre and face-to-face customer services will be closed, with residents encouraged to call the Out of Hours team on(0191) 455 6111 in case of an emergency.

Emergency out of hours services will be maintained, including Adults and Children's social services on the Out of Hours number (0191) 456 2093.

South Tyneside Homes is currently rearranging appointments already scheduled in for Monday. For emergency or urgent repair services, tenants can call the emergency line on 0300 123 6633. A skeleton Housing Plus team will be on duty.

Council leisure and libraries will be closed.

The Recycling Village at Middlefields Industrial Estate will be open on Monday. However, bookings have been suspended between 10.45am and 12.15pm, while the State Funeral is ongoing.  Waste collections do not take place on Mondays so will remain unaffected.

South Tyneside Register Office will be closed. However, major life and death events, including funerals and cremations, are expected to continue, with those already scheduled in set to take place in line with the wishes of families.

Department for Education guidance has been provided to schools, further education, and early years settings, which are not expected to remain open on the Bank Holiday. However, it is a decision for governing bodies, with parents advised to contact schools directly for further details.

A Council spokesperson said: "South Tyneside Council will be observing the Bank Holiday so that staff can also observe this historic event in our history - the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"The Bank Holiday gives us a chance to show respect and reflect on the passing our late Sovereign.

"We have sought to strike a balance between supporting staff to watch the State Funeral while ensuring essential services are maintained."

Following the local reading of the Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III, South Tyneside Council continues to observe the national period of mourning.

The Union Flags are flying at half-mast on key Council buildings and South Shields Town Hall continues to be lit up purple.

Public-facing Council meetings have been postponed until after the funeral, which is being televised to enable people to watch the event at home or with friends and family.

In line with national guidance, the Council will not be organising a local public screening of the funeral in South Tyneside. However, further information is anticipated regarding a regionally organised screening. The Council will be advising members of the public on this and on how they can join the National Moment of Reflection in the coming days.  

Residents are reminded that Books of Condolence are available for people to sign between 8.30am and 7pm, at South Shields Town Hall and Jarrow Town Hall, and within normal opening hours at The Word and Hebburn Central during the mourning period.

South Shields Town Hall and Jarrow Town Hall will remain open on Monday 19 September for people to sign the book. However, The Word and Hebburn Central will be closed alongside other leisure and library services.

People who are unable to visit a venue to sign can contribute a message via email at memorialbook@southtyneside.gov.uk There is also an opportunity to sign an e-book of condolence on the Royal Family's official website at www.royal.uk

Council services will resume as normal on Tuesday 20 September when the Union flags will be raised back to full mast. The Books of Condolence will remain open until 6pm on Tuesday.

For further information about the Bank Holiday arrangements for Monday 19 September, please visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk