CONCERNS surrounding discarded PPE have resurfaced.

At a November meeting of Prudhoe Town Council, Coun. Christine Cuthbert called for a local campaign to stop residents from littering streets with PPE in the town and surrounding area.

Coun. Cuthbert, who represents the Mickley ward, raised the issue after becoming concerned that discarded face coverings and gloves could be a danger to public health and the environment.

Now, Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, has reiterated the message after the issue was again raised at last Wednesday's meeting.

Calling on residents to dispose of the items appropriately, he said: "This may seem a small act to do but it will have a major, positive impact upon the wider community, Tynedale is no worse than many other areas but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

"If someone has symptoms and is self isolating, they are asked to double bag all waste and not put it in their household bin for 72 hours. Out of the house, people are asked to put disposable masks and gloves in litter bins or take them home. Council teams are doing a fantastic job keeping our streets safe and tidy.

"The disposable masks are particularly flimsy and could fall from people's pockets, please ensure you secure these to prevent the chance of them being discarded."