A ban on balaclavas and new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour across County Durham have moved forward.
Durham County Council's cabinet approved a consultation on Wednesday, October 14, as councillors warned police and council teams were being "inundated" with reports of anti-social behaviour.
The council could introduce rules in Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Durham City, Peterlee, Seaham and Stanley, which could see yobs fined for breaking them.
Cllr Kyle Genner, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, called the proposals "incredibly important" and "not before time".
He said: "When I speak to people across Durham about crime, here's what they tell me. The police aren't visible enough. When they are seen, they aren't tough enough.
"People are not being caught. When they are caught, they aren't being appropriately punished by the courts. And when they are appropriately punished by the courts, they get let out of prison early.
"Our criminal justice system has become a joke. But the only people laughing are the criminals."
Cllr Kyle Genner. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)
Cllr Genner stressed that he did not blame police officers, saying they were stuck with "endless and repetitive streams of paperwork".
Under the plans, loitering, littering and graffiti, foul or abusive language, intimidating behaviour, alcohol or substance misuse, public urination and nuisance use of electric bikes and scooters could see fines dished out to offenders.
Cllr Stephen Bowron, chair of the council's Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said that police and council staff were "inundated" with behaviour problems in town centres.
The council is also considering a county-wide ban on face coverings, including balaclavas, except for religious, cultural or medical reasons.
Balaclavas could be banned under the proposals. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)
Cllr Genner said: "These types of incidents are not acceptable and this administration is serious about addressing them."
He added: "We want to be sure that we're looking in the right places and tackling the correct problems. So, input from residents and the wider public will be important."
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Council leader Cllr Andrew Husband said the council needed to make sure any restrictions it eventually introduces are justified.
He said: "Any restrictions must be supported by evidence, proportionate and capable of being enforced.
"Consultation is therefore the appropriate next step. It will allow the council to test the evidence, understand public and stakeholder views, and consider enforcement capacity before any proposals return to the cabinet."