County Durham residents have said the council's plan to ban 'very intimidating' balaclavas would be a 'good' decision.
The measures would give council officers and police additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, with proposals including restrictions on face coverings such as balaclavas.
Reaction to the plans on The Northern Echo's Facebook page was largely supportive, with many readers describing balaclavas as intimidating and calling for tougher action against anti-social behaviour, but some questioned how it would be policed.
Barbara Matthews said people wearing balaclavas while riding e-bikes in Escomb were "very intimidating", while Pauline Cant argued there was "no reason for them at all" and claimed they were often used to conceal identities.
Others backed the council's stance outright.
Malcolm Bell commented: "Good. I like this action not words," while Karen Mann wrote: "Yes, yes yes. Anything to help the problem."
Several readers suggested the ban should be extended beyond County Durham.
Christopher Storey said balaclavas should be banned "throughout the country", while Paula Brobbel and Ian Smith were among those calling for a nationwide approach rather than restrictions in a handful of towns.
People in Consett have previously said they were 'frightened' by behaviour they had seen at the town's bus station. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
However, a recurring theme among dozens of comments was scepticism over enforcement.
Steve Gibbon wrote: "Banning them is one thing, policing it is a different thing."
Similarly, Graham Read questioned whether the proposal was practical and asked if it would actually be enforced, while Isabella Cole said she was not opposed to the idea but was unsure "how it could be enforced properly".
Many readers linked the issue to anti-social use of electric bikes and scooters.
David Watson asked whether the measures would mean police would "actually chase the bike thieves", while Darren Hilling questioned how authorities would catch riders wearing face coverings if they were already struggling to stop those using electric bikes illegally.
Others argued that existing laws were not being enforced strongly enough.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Andy Mitchell said there were already laws covering anti-social riding and questioned whether people causing trouble would obey a balaclava ban.
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A smaller number of commenters opposed the proposal, arguing balaclavas can have legitimate uses during cold weather.
Keith Bentley said he sometimes wears one when cycling to work in winter for warmth, while Dan Pearson said he uses a balaclava during colder months and questioned whether a ban would unfairly affect law-abiding residents.
The council's cabinet will decide on Wednesday (October 14) whether to launch a six-week public consultation on the proposals.