Fines for anti-social behaviour in city considered

It is hoped the measure would help tackle anti-social behaviour in the city

Fines of £100 for anti-social behaviour in a city could be introduced.

Durham County Council's cabinet is being asked to agree a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the city to tackle actions such as begging, urinating in the street and using "intoxicating substances".

It comes after people and businesses supported the proposals during a consultation.

Councillor John Shuttleworth said anti-social behaviour had created "a somewhat negative impression of Durham".

As part of the plans, a fixed penalty fine of £100 would be issued to anyone breaching the order.

A consultation on the measures took place between 10 May and 23 June and received more than 400 responses.

Durham County Council said 83% of people either strongly supported or supported the plans for a PSPO to be introduced to control begging.

Almost 90% backed a PSPO to control urinating and the use of intoxicating substances, the local authority added.

Durham BID, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham City Parish Council and officers from Durham Constabulary also submitted responses to the consultation.

Shuttleworth said: "It's clear that the majority of people who responded support the proposed measures after witnessing begging, urinating and substance misuse in the city over the last two years.

"This has caused some concerns around personal and public safety and created a somewhat negative impression of Durham."

Cabinet members will make a decision next Wednesday.