(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Police have stepped up patrols in a County Durham town centre after residents said they felt frightened and were avoiding the bus station because of anti-social behaviour.
Durham Police has confirmed extra patrols across Consett town centre, including the bus station, to tackle the ongoing problems.
The move follows residents telling The Northern Echo they felt unsafe at the bus station, with some taking different routes to avoid groups gathering there.
Police said a man was arrested last weekend on suspicion of three public order offences at Consett Bus Station. The investigation is ongoing.
Officers have also issued seven Community Protection Warnings and three Community Protection Notices in recent weeks after identifying anti-social behaviour that did not amount to a criminal offence.
Consett Bus Station (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Police said further action could be taken if the notices are breached.
Consett neighbourhood inspector Andy Liddell said a small number of repeat offenders were behind much of the anti-social behaviour.
He said: "We know that much of the anti-social behaviour in Consett and in particular, the town's bus station, is caused by a small number of repeat offenders and that their behaviour involves criminal offences.
"My neighbourhood team work closely with residents, partners, and businesses to problem solve issues. Anti-social behaviour affects the whole community, and it is not solely the responsibility of the police.
"We are committed to preventing crime, protecting the public, and focusing our resources where they are most needed.
"Extra patrols will provide a highly visible and reassuring presence, allowing officers to respond swiftly and effectively to any emerging issues.
"Anti-social behaviour has no place in our communities."
The extra patrols follow residents’ concerns about behaviour at the bus station and its impact on town-centre visitors.
One Consett resident said: "Oh, I wouldn't go to the bus station. I'd rather struggle the walk. Because of the vandalism.
"I wouldn't want to be caught up in it.
"I had to go to Newcastle a few weeks back and just to go into the bus station itself didn't feel secure."
Dawn Hogarth, 65, from Ebchester, said incidents she witnessed had made her wary of walking through the station.
She said: "It makes you a bit wary about having to walk through the bus station at times.
"I have to stand outside actually.
"I think there should be more done about it actually."
Sharon McCourt, 53, from Leadgate, also raised concerns about groups gathering at the station.
She said: "There's normally a group of kids there and they're just causing disruption to the area.
"And some people are obviously frightened to go through the bus station and stuff like that."
Police are working with Durham County Council on longer-term measures to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.
Insp Liddell said he began talks with the council in April about a possible Public Space Protection Order covering Consett town centre and the bus station.
The proposed order could give officers extra powers to tackle certain types of anti-social behaviour in designated public spaces.
Durham County Council has said its Cabinet will consider consulting on proposed Public Space Protection Orders for town centres and bus stations, including Consett.
Ian Hoult, the council's neighbourhood protection manager, said: "Anti-social behaviour is an issue we take seriously as we recognise the impact it has on our communities.
Read more
Balaclava ban and anti-yob orders for County Durham towns to combat 'trouble'
'Frightened' people choose to avoid County Durham bus station over disorder concerns
More than 70 illegal bikes and e-scooters crushed in Darlington police crackdown
"We work closely with Durham Constabulary and other partners to help ensure our towns are safe and welcoming, and that support is given to those in need.
"Across the partnership, a range of tools and powers are used to tackle antisocial behaviour."
Insp Liddell said police had received messages from several residents and he was responding to their concerns.
He urged people to keep reporting incidents so officers can identify and deal with those responsible.
He added: "Residents can report incidents at our front counter, through the Durham Police website, at PACT meetings or by calling 101.
"If you are experiencing antisocial behaviour or have witnessed it, please don't assume someone else will have called us - make the call and help us to tackle this issue."