Street ban on begging and drinking approved

Fines could be issued to those breaking a new protection order in Durham

Drinking on the street, nuisance behaviour and begging are to be banned in a city centre.

Durham County Council has approved the introduction of a public space protection order (PSPO) which could see culprits fined.

Under the new rules for Durham city centre, those caught indulging in anti-social behaviour, including urinating in the street, could be fined up to £100.

Durham Police welcomed the move and said problems caused by a small number of people were having a "disproportionately" negative impact.

Up to 80 city centre traders backed a call to ban nuisance behaviour in 2023, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They complained of behaviour which was having an "adverse effect" on trade and putting off shoppers.

A letter signed by the traders on behalf of Durham Markets Company said they were particularly concerned about begging in Market Place and outdoor drinking fuelled by drugs.

Traders believe anti-social behaviour in the city centre is putting off shoppers

Insp Dave Clarke said: "City centre residents and businesses have repeatedly told us they want more done to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“We know that a relatively small group of people are having a disproportionate impact on the wider community and are responsible for a high proportion of the incidents."