Seaham councillor welcomes public consultation to get tough on antisocial behaviour in the town
A county-wide measure requiring people to remove face coverings when asked by an authorised officer is also part of the proposals
Cllr Chris Fairs, Reform UK County Councillor for Seaham, has welcomed Durham County Council Cabinet’s decision to go out to public consultation on introducing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in town centres across the county, including Seaham.
In June this year, Cllr Fairs spoke about the the need for tougher powers for police and council officers to deal with problem behaviours following a a spate of disorder across the May Bank Holiday weekend which resulted in Durham Constabulary being called to Seaham Marina on Monday May 25.
The introduction of PSPOs moved a step closer on Wednesday, October 14, after Durham County Council’s cabinet agreed to consult on PSPOs in seven areas: Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Durham City, Peterlee, Seaham and Stanley.
If introduced, PSPOs would allow council officers, neighbourhood wardens and Durham Constabulary to take more immediate action against anti-social behaviour, including the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices. A county-wide measure requiring people to remove face coverings when asked by an authorised officer is also part of the proposals.
Following the meeting, Cllr Fairs said: “People in Seaham want to feel safe in their town centre, and I support giving our officers and the police the tools to act quickly when problems arise. These measures could make a real difference in key areas of Seaham, and I want to see that happen.
“But nothing is set in stone, and that is why the consultation matters. I would urge everyone who lives, works or visits Seaham to take part, whether you agree with the proposals, have concerns or want to suggest changes.
“Longer term, national policy needs to change around the way policing works, so that our police have more freedom and the time to deal with these issues directly. Until that happens, local powers like these can help fill the gap and give residents the reassurance they deserve.”
No final decision has been made with the consultation expected to open at the end of October and run for six weeks, giving residents, businesses and community groups the chance to have their say.