Calls for Public Space Protection Order in Darlington to Address Balaclava-Related Anti-Social Behaviour
Labour MP for Darlington, Lola McEvoy, has called for a public space protection order (PSPO) to enable £100 fines for wearing balaclavas or face coverings intended to harass or intimidate. This measure would apply across the entire town of Darlington but would exempt face coverings worn for faith reasons.
Police data reveal that there have been dozens of balaclava-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents over the past year, with 800 ASB cases reported between July and October of this year alone. Similar PSPOs have been introduced by councils in parts of Surrey, Essex, and the West Midlands to tackle comparable issues.
Local resident Jim Cunningham, a retired police officer, supports the move, highlighting concerns about youths wearing balaclavas on electric and off-road bikes causing intimidation. A local shop owner described groups of balaclava-wearing youths gathering outside shops on Friday and Saturday nights, causing disruption and using racist language, with police response often being slow.
Darlington Borough Council has expressed its desire to keep the town centre safe and welcoming, committing to work closely with the police to address these concerns. Durham Police Inspector David Littlefair noted that most balaclava wearers are younger individuals and while they are not always involved in criminal activities, their presence contributes to a feeling of insecurity in public spaces, making safety a priority.
Additionally, Stockton West Conservative MP Matt Vickers acknowledged that anti-social behaviour is a problem in his constituency and encouraged the inclusion of balaclava restrictions in a PSPO.
