Leave us to tackle sex worker issues, say police

Councillors Shakeel Hussain and Sufi Mubeen are protesting about the presence of sex workers in the area

People have been urged not to take matters into their own hands, following local protests against sex workers.

Stockton Borough councillor Shakeel Hussain led a protest in the Ropner ward area earlier this month, which saw protesters bearing placards stating: 'No to sex workers on our streets'.

Fellow councillor, Sufi Mubeen, said the protest was not directed against the sex workers themselves, but claimed local people had become afraid to go out.

Stockton Neighbouring Policing Team (SNPT) said it would prefer the community worked with the police and other partners to "tackle these issues", rather than stage independent protests.

Mubeen said people are being "stopped and harassed by sex workers", and people were scared to report it to the police, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"We know that sex workers are victims," he said, adding: "We're looking for a safe exit for them as well."

One local resident, Thomas Millen, said neighbours had found used needles and condoms on the floor.

"It's scary," said Mr Millen.

Councillor Norma Stephenson acknowledged it was a "very complex situation", and said the local authority had been working with its partners on a "long-term solution".

“It’s important to consider that women who are sex working are often extremely vulnerable and victims of wider exploitation – and we owe them an equal duty of care," she said.

SNPT Ch Insp Dan Heron said officers and council colleagues patrol the area and engage with women involved in sex work "to try to safeguard" the most vulnerable.

"We are working hard… to improve the Ropner ward for all [who are] living and working there," he said.