North Tyneside Council’s new community and public spaces protection team brings together its nationally-acclaimed safer estates team with its award-winning environmental team.
The 10 members of staff will tackle crime and anti-social behaviour as well as environmental offences, which includes taking a very strict approach to littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.
Speaking about the new team, the Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: “North Tyneside is a wonderful place to live and to visit – and for the sixth year in a row, it’s also been named the safest metropolitan borough in England.
“That being said, residents have told me that they have some concerns, particularly around littering and dog fouling in the area.
“I have always prided myself on being a listening mayor which is why I’m bringing together these two very successful teams to enhance the borough for residents.
“Together, they’ll share their expertise and take prompt action against those who chose to break the law – be it anti-social behaviour or environmental offences.”
The team will make full use of its powers to enforce anti-social behaviour legislation, which includes issuing those who break the law with community protection notices, fixed penalty notices, eviction orders, and injunctions. They’ll also continue to work closely with Northumbria Police.
Those who continue to offend will risk court orders that will prevent them from entering areas of North Tyneside.
Colin Boxshall, who has been the manager of the safer estates team since it was set up in 2004, will lead the new community and public spaces protection team.
Welcoming the move, Colin said: “The new team is absolutely committed to providing a high-quality anti-social behaviour service, which includes tackling environmental crime.
“We will adopt a zero tolerance approach in targeting those who spoil the quality of life or the environmental quality of the borough for others.
“Our management of cases will demonstrate a clear focus on protecting people from harm and on supporting victims and witnesses.”
To report environmental offences, visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0345 2000 101. Non-emergency issues of anti-social behaviour can also be reported here or by calling the police on 101, or 999 for emergencies.