The Darlington tip has been forced to close due to high winds. 

The Household Waste Recycling Centre, on Mewburn Road, has been closed by Darlington Council due to a forecast of high winds throughout Thursday (September 26). 

The Met Office has predicted winds peaking at around 40mph across Darlington - with heavy rain also battering the region amid a yellow weather warning. 

Darlington Council has confirmed it will monitor the situation and provide an update on when the tip can safely reopen in due course. 

The weather warning remains in place until just before midnight on Thursday, with the forecaster warning of a chance of flooding and disruption across roads. 

The Government has also issued a flood alert across County Durham for the Lower River Wear, with areas at risk including Bishop Auckland, Durham city centre, Chester-le-Street and several other rural spots across County Durham.  

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A statement from the authority said: "Please be aware that due to high winds the tip will be closed today.

"The forecast is for the high winds to continue throughout today and into tomorrow. We will monitor the situation and will provide an update when the tip can safely reopen.

"The commercial waste transfer station is open as usual. Thank you for your patience."