Patrols to help tackle lout issues
From left, warden Alan Lonergan, Adam Deathe, Coun Lucy Hovvels, Coun Joy Allen, neighbourhood protection manager Ian Hoult and warden Paul Rutherford TWO dedicated neighbourhood wardens are to patrol Durham city centre as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The wardens will carry out regular patrols and support police patrols, as well as dealing with incidents when they happen.
It comes after videos were circulating on social media of people lying drunk in the streets, and angry residents reported seeing people stripping naked and urinating in phone boxes.
Durham County Council is now taking action to tackle increasing problems in the city centre, particularly around North Road and Market Place.
The authority says CCTV will be monitored more closely and work will also include looking at how troublemakers can be deterred from meeting.
Coun Lucy Hovvels MBE, the council’s cabinet member for safety, said: “It is important for people to know that Durham is a safe and welcoming city – and that’s the message we want to get across through this initiative.
“This isn’t just about warning the small minority of people behaving badly that their actions will not be tolerated.
“It’s just as much about having a visible presence in the city to reassure businesses, residents and visitors to the city that, along with the police, we are here to help and support them.”
There were 610 incidents of antisocial behaviour in the city between August 2018 and July this year, with 270 incidents of public order and 248 shoplifting.
Durham Constabulary arrested a man for possessing an offensive weapon and another for handling stolen goods, while cans and bottles of alcohol have been seized from anyone ignoring the drinking ban.
Adam Deathe, Durham BID (Business Improvement District) manager, said the BID is grateful to the council and police for increasing their efforts to work with other organisations in the city in an effort to get support for those individuals causing problems.
He added “I am also working with parties to ensure that we find a longterm solution to such a complex matter.”
Coun Joy Allen, Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said “There are currently a small number of individuals who are coming into the city centre and causing a nuisance to those who work, visit and shop here.
“It is extremely important that these people are not able to spoil our wonderful city for everyone else.
“That’s why we are working closely with the police and other partners to tackle the issues they are causing.”
The council is considering introducing a cap on the number of pubs, offlicences and takeaways in the city.