Plans for town centre anti-social behaviour crackdown

Members of the public are set to have their say on proposals aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in Darlington town centre.

Darlington Borough Council is considering introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – a positive tool enabling the police to deal with anti-social behaviour.

A 12-week consultation period is expected to be approved by the council’s Cabinet at a meeting on 10 July.

Once the consultation – which would include police, local business owners and the wider community – is complete, Cabinet would then decide whether or not to introduce a PSPO.

Graham Hall, the council’s Head of Community Safety, said: “Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour is on the rise in Darlington town centre. Police have received 142 complaints relating to anti-social behaviour in the past three months.

“Examples include begging and alcohol-related disorder, particularly around the seating area near the Boot and Shoe pub and entrance to St Cuthbert’s Church yard.

“Both the police and the council have taken steps to address this particular problem, with some success, although it is an area where anti-social behaviour persists.

“A PSPO is not simply a blanket ban on certain activities in a certain area. Instead, it is a positive tool that enables the police and other designated officers to deal more effectively with disorder, for example by confiscating alcohol from adults.”

As well as the PSPO consultation, Cabinet will also hear an update on the positive work the Council is involved with to support Darlington town centre.

Cabinet meets at 5pm on Tuesday 10 July in Committee Room 2 at the Town Hall.