Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour in Hartlepool Town Centre: A Tougher Approach, or just moving the problem on?...

Cleveland Police, alongside Hartlepool Borough Council are said to be stepping up efforts to tackle crime in the Town Centre

Tougher action said to be made on tackling problem Town Centre area after a spate in crime, but critics claim its only going to move the problem on elsewhere.

14th December 2024

Hartlepool Borough Council alongside Cleveland Police are said to be increasing their efforts to address anti-social behaviour at a known trouble spot in the town centre, as part of a comprehensive action plan designed to restore order and safety for local businesses and residents.

The access ramp connecting York Road to Middleton Grange Shopping Centre has long been a source of concern, with frequent reports of anti-social and criminal activity. In response, the Safer Hartlepool Partnership – a coalition reportedly set up to address to public safety – has unveiled a series of robust measures to tackle the issue head-on.

Labours Jonathan Brash MP, Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, commented saying :

“The ramp has become a blight on our town centre, discouraging people from visiting and harming local businesses. We’re committed to putting an end to this and will explore all available enforcement powers to secure long-term improvements. This won’t be resolved overnight, but we are determined to deliver results and will keep residents updated every step of the way.”

Key measures in the action plan reportedly include, the use of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs): imposing clear restrictions on behaviours such as public drinking, foul language, and threatening conduct. The creation of a new Retail Crime Forum where Local retailers will have a platform to voice their concerns and collaborate with the council to crack down on theft and anti-social behaviour.

Its also claimed that plans are said to be underway to grant Middleton Grange Shopping Centre’s security team limited enforcement powers, such as issuing fixed penalty notices for littering, graffiti, and disorderly behaviour, as well as efforts to tackle alcohol abuse through reviews undertaken by the Council’s Licensing Team and Cleveland Police to restrict alcohol sales to intoxicated individuals.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Labour Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, reportedly stressed the importance of balance: “Through firm enforcement and compassionate support, we are confident we can resolve these challenges. Hartlepool deserves a vibrant, safe town centre, and we won’t rest until that vision is a reality.”

Superintendent Alan O’Donaghue of Hartlepool Police added: “Anti-social behaviour and crime undermines public confidence and harm businesses. Cleveland Police is determined to target persistent offenders and, together with our partners, ensure Hartlepool’s public spaces are safe for everyone.”

But many locals have come out to criticise both Hartlepool Borough Council & Cleveland Police as being "all talk & no action", with similar initiatives leading to the persistent problems of crime & alcohol related disorder in the town merely being 'moved on' to another location addressing nothing other than what many claim is a carefully orchestrated Public Relations Stunt, as public confidence in both Hartlepool Borough Council & its local police force hits rock bottom. .