Daniel Holland
Local Democracy Reporter

Newcastle Falcons rugby club bosses want to create two outdoor food and drink areas on match days, a hearing has heard.

The new zones, which would be located outside the stadium’s south stand and north west corner, would help fans stay socially distanced when supporters are finally allowed back.

If the plans are approved by the council, the areas could feature food vendors and bars open two hours before kick-off and one hour after full-time, but they will not be allowed to play music.

Eight neighbours in Kenton Bank Foot lodged objections against the scheme, with complaints about noise, people urinating against neighbours’ fences, and throwing bottles and cans into gardens.

The club has also asked for permission to host more drive-in cinema events in the car park of the Kingston Park ground.

Solicitor Richard Arnot said there was “no desire to upset or disturb anybody” and that the cinema events would have no alcohol served and no loudspeakers, with the sound instead coming through car radios via a Bluetooth connection.

Newcastle City Council will decide on the Falcons’ licence application within five working days of the hearing.

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Newcastle’s Quayside Market will return on Sunday, with security marshals on site to disperse people if it becomes too crowded.

The city council says a number of safety measures will be in place to protect traders and shoppers, and everyone who visits will need to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.

The market was forced to close earlier this year in line with lockdown restrictions, but will reopen this weekend from 09:00-16:00.

Image source, Getty Images

Michelle Percy, from Newcastle City Council, said: “The Quayside Market is one of the iconic features of our great city, and we know how tough it has been for traders with their businesses being significantly impacted by Covid-19.

“It’s been fantastic to see the buzz returning to the city as more businesses have been able to reopen, and the Quayside Market is certainly a welcome addition in terms of supporting the reopening of our city."

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Evening ferry crossings between North and South Shields will resume next week.

Nexus, which operates the Shields Ferry, says crossings after 18:30 on weekdays and on Saturdays will be restored with the last one leaving North Shields at 20:00 Monday to Wednesday, and at 22:50 Thursday to Saturday.

Customer services director Huw Lewis said: “Customers are still advised to minimise travel, follow social distancing rules and good hand hygiene, and wear a face covering on board at all times unless exempt.”

The timetable on Sundays is not changing and services will continue to end at 18:00.

Image source, Nexus

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A doctor in Stockton has recorded videos in three different languages appealing for local Muslims to accept their vaccination appointments during Ramadan., external

The holy month sees many Muslims not eating or drinking during daylight hours.

Dr Ijaz Anwar, a consultant at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has reassured residents that receiving a Covid vaccination during Ramadan does not conflict with fasting.

Dr Anwar said: "This is a clear ruling and I've checked with Imams and for anybody who is hesistant about the Covid vaccine because of fasting they can check with their local Imams and all will tell you it does not contravene your fasting, so please go for your jab."

Image source, North Tees NHS

Last year he said it was difficult observing Ramadan during the pandemic as the hospital was very busy: "I was covering Covid areas so had to be in full PPE and it was hard but I managed to keep my fast last year, so it's probably easier this year.

"It's the first day of fasting today and it's shorter in duration so after a couple of days to concentrate, then you get used to it."

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