Have Your Say on Plans to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

South Tyneside residents are being encouraged to have their say on new proposals to address anti-social behaviour.

A consultation exercise gets underway today (4 January) on new Public Space Protection Orders aimed at tackling problems including the use of mechanically propelled vehicles (such as quad bikes and mini motos), forms of begging and drinking alcohol and taking psychoactive substances in a public place.

The PSPOs are recommended across the whole of South Tyneside while another one is proposed specifically to address the anti-social behaviour of people fishing at Broad Landing and the Riverside. The recommended PSPO at Broad Landing and the Riverside would prohibit fishing through the night and behaviour likely to cause nuisance to local people, such as shouting, playing loud music, setting fires and urinating.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "Anti-social behaviour can make the lives of local people very miserable and give a negative perception of some areas.

"We want to send a clear message to the tiny minority of people engaged in these activities that this is utterly unacceptable. Taking out PSPOs will give us and the police greater flexibility to deal with anti-social behaviour. However, we are keen to get the views of local people and would encourage them to give us their feedback."

Anyone who breaches a PSPO risks a £100 fixed penalty notice. Failure to pay may result in criminal proceedings with a maximum penalty of £1,000. They can be enforced by the Police, Police Community Support Officers and any authorised officer of the Council.

Sergeant David Stobbs, of Northumbria Police, said: "We know that the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have a detrimental impact on our communities, particularly vulnerable residents who can feel frightened or intimidated in their own homes.

"That's why we run dedicated operations and patrols hand-in-hand with all our partners across South Tyneside to tackle any pockets of disorder and ultimately keep our communities safe.

"We would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share your views with the council on this important issue."

The consultation runs until Sunday 31 January 2021.

People can give their views on the proposed PSPOs by emailing  PSPOconsultation@southtyneside.gov.uk

For more detailed information about the proposed PSPOs visit South Tyneside Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/pspo or call the Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000.