Balaclava wearers could be hit with instant fine

Residents have raised concerns over being intimidated by young people who hide their identity in Southend-on-Sea

People who cover their faces with ski masks and balaclavas in a town centre could be given an instant fine if a council votes to extend a protection order.

Residents have raised concerns over being intimidated by young people who hide their identity on the High Street in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, said Jack Warren, a councillor from Southend-on-Sea City Council.

Mr Warren has called for the authority to extend its public spaces protection order to ban face coverings and fine or prosecute anyone wearing one.

Southend’s Business Improvement District has backed the move and said it could help cut crime and reduce “unnecessary challenges in identifying criminals”.

'Feel unsafe'

The authority, which is under no overall party control, is expected to debate the motion on 18 July at a full council meeting.

The current public spaces protection order was established to ban anti-social behaviour such as drinking in the street, begging, spitting and littering.

Mr Warren told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s a topic that comes up on the doorstep all the time – people feeling unsafe on the High Street – particularly in the summer.

"It’s really just wanting to ensure the High Street is an attractive place for people to spend time and not feel unsafe.

“People are saying they feel intimidated by people with their faces covered. In the summer there is no reason for anyone to be wearing a ski mask unless they are here to cause trouble and that’s the sort of thing we want to stamp out.”

Failure to comply with a public spaces protection order is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution, which could lead upon conviction to a fine of up to £1,000 or a fixed penalty notice of £100.

The ban would not include anyone wearing a face covering for medical, safety or religious reasons.