POWERS TO TACKLE CITY CENTRE PROBLEMS
A three-year-order will be drafted in to help keep the city centre clear of nuisances. The Public Space Protection Order has been backed by the city council’s cabinet, with reassurance offered that genuinely homeless people and those in need will be offered help, not punished. It seeks to tackle aggressive begging, bin raking, problem street traders, out of control dogs, skateboarders and cyclist causing a problem and those using psychoactive substances, previously known as legal highs. Councillor Harry Trueman, deputy council leader and chairman of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, said: “It is all about allowing people to enjoy open public spaces free from nuisance and anti-social behaviour and ensuring central Sunderland is a pleasant place to work in, to live in, and to visit.” The order is being scheduled to be ‘live’ in the next four to six weeks. As part of consultation, traders said they would welcome the order, with many proving statements about the impact bin raking and begging has on business. Neighbourhood Inspector Jamie Southwell, who covers Sunderland city centre, said: “Ensuring people who come into the city centre can do so without fear or intimidation of aggressive antisocial behaviour by a minority of people is important to us. “The city is a great place with lots of fantastic attractions and we want people to be able to enjoy these and not have their visit ruined. “We’re pleased this order has been endorsed and see it as a huge milestone in our efforts to make the city centre even safer.” After the meeting, Conservative Councillor Robert Oliver welcomed the move and said: “There is strong support from the public who are bothered by such behaviour which is having a negative effect on the image and reality of Sunderland and discouraging visitors.”