Coun calls for more street lighting for South Shields car park

Coun Anne Walsh fears an area at Heaton Gardens is being targeted by vandals due to it not being as well lit as other parts.

The issue was raised during a recent meeting of the West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon Community Area Forum.

The councillor for Biddick Hall and All Saints, said she had visited the area, which is close to the train tracks, after complaints were raised by residents.

She said two cars, parked in one of the bays, had been damaged.

Coun Walsh said: “There is a small car park at the top of Heaton Gardens where there has been some anti-social behaviour.

“This has occurred between February 27 and March 3 where there has been two cars had their back windows smashed.

“It’s not just that. I have been told there has been sexual activity on that car park as the area is so dark.”

There is currently no street lighting near to the small car park.

Since the meeting Coun Walsh has attended the area along with a highway officer from South Tyneside Council.

Coun Walsh added: “We have agreed to put some street lighting in where the car damage took place. Currently no street lighting is present at the back of the properties.”

Information on the damage caused to the cars in Heaton Gardens was passed to the area’s policing team at the meeting.

During the meeting, Pc Steve Chappell said the team were continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, with Operation Safestop continuing to reduce anti-social behaviour on Friday and Saturday nights.

However, he added police expected a rise in anti-social behaviour within the next few weeks due to the lighter nights.

In a bid to combat the expected rise, the annual Lighter Nights campaign is currently being put together to include diversionary activities for young people during the Easter break.