Shocking photos show piles of drinks bottles and cans dumped in Hebburn park

Bottles and cans were dumped in Hebburn Riverside Park, with residents reporting that gangs of young people have been meeting up in the area during lockdown.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said he took the photographs showing the ‘horrendous' amount of rubbish while out on an early morning walk.

He said there has been an ongoing problem of antisocial behaviour in the park, next to Hebburn Marina and in the surrounding area, which he says has been reported to the police and council by residents.

Now South Tyneside Council has said they are considering how to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area as they work towards a costly clean up of the mess left behind by ‘reckless individuals.’

A council spokeswoman said: “We recognise the distress caused to local people as a result of the thoughtless and reckless behaviour of these individuals.

“Engaging in such antisocial behaviour and leaving the area in a mess like this is wholly unacceptable, not to mention that fact it is illegal, unsightly, hazardous to the environment and wildlife and costly to clean up.

“We continue to work with our partners to tackle disorder across the borough and will be considering what more can be done in this particular area.

“We are also making arrangements for the rubbish to be removed.”

It comes following problems with rubbish in South Tyneside as lockdown restrictions eased.

Ahead of Easter weekend, the council said a ‘large amount of litter and waste’ was found across South Shields seafront after sunny weather brought out the crowds.

Northumbria Police said it takes antisocial behaviour seriously and will continue to identify hotspot areas and deal with those responsible.

A force spokeswoman said: “We understand the significant impact that anti-social behaviour of a few can have on the communities we serve.

“As a result, we will continue our proactive approach in tackling disorder and work closely with partners to ensure hotspot areas are identified – with anyone found responsible dealt with appropriately.”

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