A pub in Ponteland has hit out at anonymous callers who have repeatedly contacted Northumbria Police to report them for alleged breaches of Covid regulations.

One of the directors at The Blackbird, Stuart Young, said the police had received a number of calls reporting them for alleged breaches of regulations in recent months.

However, Mr Young said the pub and restaurant, which is on the North Road in the town, was currently serving takeaway warm drinks and treats from Kennedy and Rhind seven days a week only, as was allowed in the guidelines.

Government guidance states: ‘Hospitality venues are required to close, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs. This is with the exception of providing food and non-alcoholic drinks for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect and drive-through. All food and drink (including alcohol) can continue to be provided by delivery.’

The pub also has a tipi, which houses a pop-up bakery on Saturday’s.

Stuart said a maximum of two people from one party were allowed in the tipi at a time and there were hand sanitisers provided before customers walk in.

“Somebody rang the police to tell them there was 20/30 people in there,” he said.

“It was outrageous.

“I can understand mistakes made by people who are anxious about Covid, but my view is to suggest there are 20 to 30 people in the tipi is not a mistake, it is a pure invention.”

“I am sure the police have got better things to do,” Stuart added.

The pub is offering takeaways on Thursday-Saturday evenings as well as Sunday lunches.

Mr Young said: “Quite often there is a queue, but it is a socially distanced queue.

“We are trying to keep contact with the customers the only way we can.”

After posting about the police activity on Facebook, Mr Young said the pub received a “terrific amount of support.”

Both Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council said they were aware of reports made about the premises but declined to comment further.