Leaders slam 'completely unacceptable' behaviour after reports of trouble and 'stench of urine' at South Shields riverside spot

Residents have raised concerns about an increase in antisocial behaviour in the Broad Landing area of South Shields.

There are reports of people drinking alcohol, taking drugs and causing damage to the wooden jetty, potentially placing the public at risk.

One resident of the Broad Landing apartments, who asked not to be named, described a “stench of urine” on the jetty which he believed was being used as a toilet.

He commented: “This has been an ongoing issue for a long time, but the situation has worsened.

“A piece of the walkway has been removed at some point and is now a real danger to children, elderly people and in fact anyone walking on it. The jetty has already had to be repaired once.”

Complaints of antisocial behaviour have rocketed in the borough since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed, with 918 incidents logged by the Home Office in April 2020.

Leaders at South Tyneside council deemed the behaviour “completely unacceptable" and committed to working with police to bring offenders to justice.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, commented: "We have been made aware of the concerns of some local residents with regards to antisocial behaviour in this area.

“Antisocial behaviour anywhere in the borough is completely unacceptable and we will continue to work with the police to bring perpetrators to justice.

"We will look to carry out repairs to the jetty but would urge everyone to take pride in their local area and report any antisocial behaviour to the police or the council on 427 700 or email [email protected].”

Officers from Northumbria Police confirmed that they had been called out several times over the last two weeks to reports of antisocial behaviour in the area.

A spokesperson said: “We have received a number of complaints concerning antisocial behaviour in the Broad Landing area of South Shields over the past two weeks.

“Officers have been working with concerned residents and South Tyneside Council.”

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