Decision date set on new powers aiming to crackdown on disgusting behaviour at South Shields riverside after urine, tents, fire and faeces cause misery

Residents living in the Broad Landing and Riverside areas in the town have had to put up with nuisance behaviour which has seen people pitching tents, setting fires, urinating and defecating close to their homes.

But now South Tyneside Council is set to take action and will consider proposed new powers to help address the antisocial behaviour in the area.

Cabinet will be asked to approve two Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) at a meeting on Wednesday April 14, to prohibit fishing through the night and pitching tents, and tackle behaviour such as shouting, playing loud music, dropping litter, setting fires, urinating and defecating.

The orders are being proposed following an extensive consultation exercise carried out in January.

Stuart Wright, Head of Environment at South Tyneside Council, said: “Antisocial behaviour has a detrimental impact on the quality of life of our residents not to mention the negative perception it can give of an area.

“It is important that we use whatever powers are available to us to ensure South Tyneside is a safe and welcoming place.

“The proposed orders are designed to regulate activities in public places and help the authorities to deal with persistent or continuing anti-social behaviour in areas where concerns have been highlighted.”

The council will also look at imposing a set of PSPOs to help address antisocial behaviour-related issues around street drinking, the use of motor-propelled vehicles (such as scramblers, trail bikes, quad bikes mini-motos) and taking psychoactive substances in public spaces.

The orders can be enforced by the Police, Police Community Support Officers and any authorised officer of the council.

If approved, the PSPOs will come into force in South Tyneside ahead of the summer season.

Anyone who breaches a PSPO risks a £100 fixed penalty notice and failure to pay may result in criminal proceedings with a maximum penalty of £1,000.

If approved, the new PSPOs will:

Prohibit the use of motor propelled vehicles in public spaces;

Stop the consumption of alcohol in public spaces when requested to do so by a Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or an authorised officer of the council;

Prohibit the taking of psychoactive substances in public spaces;

Prohibit any person acting in such a way which causes, or is likely to cause, nuisance to people living in the locality, in the Restricted Area;

Prohibit fishing between 10pm and 6am in the Restricted Area.

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