Tents cleared by council in 'anti-social behaviour crackdown'

Tents linked by a council to anti-social behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent have been cleared

Unauthorised tents have been removed from land in Stoke-on-Trent as part of measures, the council said, to address anti-social behaviour (ASB).

According to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a week of activity was focused on areas that had seen an increase in ASB and crime and was carried out both to reassure residents and help people in need, including those with substance misuse, mental health and homelessness vulnerabilities.

Tents in Hanley and Longton, linked by the council to ASB, were cleared, and people there supported with accommodation.

The authority added it did not permit unauthorised “encampments” on its land or public highways.

It said the targeted spot in Hanley was the scene of a single tent with bedding on some grass, with a “second encampment” in Longton in place beside a footbridge, adding ASB there included loud noise, drugs misuse, discarded needles and general littering

In each circumstance, the council said there had been engagement with individuals at the site and support provided prior to clearance, without the need for enforcement action.

Over the summer, hundreds of residents were asked about their concerns, and a detailed assessment of crime, disorder and ASB in the city followed, the council said.

Priorities were then set with partners such as the police to tackle community safety, explained councillor David Williams.

"They are priorities residents have told us they feel strongly about and are issues we know are affecting our city,” he said.

There was an "encampment" by a footbridge over the A50, said the council

Fly-tipping and parking offences were also dealt with across the city's town centres during the operation.

During the week, eight fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal dumping and 38 fines for parking or traffic offences.

Vehicles were seized for not having road tax or for non-payment of a penalty charge notice.