The plan to tackle disgusting acts at South Shields riverside after neighbours complain of misery

Residents have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the Broad Landing area of South Shields.

People living at Broad Landing and the Riverside complained in the summer how problems including noise, drugs and ‘the stench of urine’ had intensified in the summer.

South Tyneside Council leaders deemed the behaviour “completely unacceptable" and committed to working with police to bring offenders to justice, and Northumbria Police officers said they had received a number of complaints about problems in the area, stating they were working with the council on the problem.

Now a consultation exercise is underway on new Public Space Protection Orders aimed at tackling the problems across the borough, which also include issues with quad bikes and mini motos, begging, alcohol and psychoactive substances in public spaces.

Damage to the wooden jetty after reports of antisocial behaviour at Broad Landing, South Shields.

The PSPOs are recommended across the whole of South Tyneside, while another one is proposed specifically to address the antisocial behaviour of people fishing at Broad Landing and the Riverside.

The recommended PSPO at Broad Landing and the Riverside would prohibit fishing through the night and behaviour likely to cause nuisance to local people, such as shouting, playing loud music, setting fires, urinating and defecating.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety at the council, said: “Antisocial behaviour can make the lives of local people very miserable and give a negative perception of some areas.

“We want to send a clear message to the tiny minority of people engaged in these activities that this is utterly unacceptable. Taking out PSPOs will give us and the police greater flexibility to deal with anti-social behaviour. However, we are keen to get the views of local people and would encourage them to give us their feedback.”

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

They can be enforced by the police, police community support officers, and any authorised officer of the Council.

Sergeant David Stobbs, of Northumbria Police, said: “We know that the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have a detrimental impact on our communities, particularly vulnerable residents who can feel frightened or intimidated in their own homes.

“That’s why we run dedicated operations and patrols hand-in-hand with all our partners across South Tyneside to tackle any pockets of disorder and ultimately keep our communities safe.

“We would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share your views with the council on this important issue.”

The consultation runs until Sunday 31 January 2021.

People can give their views on the proposed PSPOs by emailing [email protected].

More detailed information about the proposed PSPOs visit South Tyneside Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/pspo or call the Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000

:: A freephone number has been set up for people who are homeless and in need of support. Anyone without accommodation or who knows of someone sleeping rough is asked to call 0800 141 2645 (freephone) between Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9.am to 4.30pm.

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