Most services will continue despite the temporary closure of local authority offices, borough chiefs have insisted.
Staff were asked to leave South Tyneside Council’s bases at South Shields Town Hall and Jarrow Town today (Monday, January 25) as a precaution.
The council took the decision to send staff home after being notified by Northumbria Police of a ‘possible suspicious package’.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “We have taken the decision to evacuate both South Shields and Jarrow Town Halls as a precaution after Northumbria Police received a report of a possible suspicious package.
“Any staff located in either town hall have been advised to work from home for the rest of the day.
“Front facing customer services will remain closed for the rest of the day.
“All other council services are continuing to be delivered.
“We would like to thank Northumbria Police for their swift and decisive action and their support with this matter.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 11.35am today (Monday, January 25) we received a call about a possible suspicious package at South Shields Town Hall.
“An investigation has been launched but at this early stage it is believed to have been a hoax.
“However, officers are at the scene to carry out enquiries and offer any reassurance to those in the area.”
