Bin collections hit by emergency 'void' roadworks

Waste services in Gateshead have been hit by safety work on a huge void next to the A1

A giant chasm that opened up alongside the UK's longest major road has caused "significant delays" to bin collections.

Waste and recycling services in the west of Gateshead have been disrupted by roadworks on the A1 at Team Valley, the local council said.

It comes after a "void" was discovered in a verge near Birtley, reducing the A1 to a single lane while works are carried out.

Residents have been asked to leave their bins out on Saturday if they are not emptied during the week.

A 4m (13ft) deep,1.5m (5ft) wide void was uncovered by the junction 65 exit slip road near Birtley last week.

It followed the discovery of issues with mine workings in the area, National Highways said.

The void was found near the junction 65 exit slip near Birtley

Bin collections in Blaydon, Swalwell, Whickham, Sunniside, Ryton, Crawcrook, Greenside, Rowlands Gill, High Spen and Chopwell have been particularly affected by delays caused by the roadworks.

Gateshead Council warned there could be further changes to collection dates if the lane restrictions continue into the weekend.

National Highways said there would be daytime lane closures and full shutdowns at night between junction 66, Eighton Lodge, and junction 65 at Birtley until it was safe to reopen.