Council set out plan to 'reclaim' town high street

THE Conservatives have welcomed a five-point plan to “reclaim” Stockton’s High Street - but branded it a frank admission that Labour had “lost control” of the town centre.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald and Stockton Council’s Labour leadership have developed a five-point plan, which they have described as one of the most ambitious high street plans in the country.

It includes calls for a permanent police presence, zero tolerance on disorder and proposed town centre bans under a stronger public space protection order (PSPO), a moved methadone clinic, a safe space for people with long-term addictions and measures to tackle problem homes in multiple occupation (HMOs).

However the opposition have delivered their verdict on the plan, saying it amounted to an admission that the council had “got it wrong” previously.

Councillor Tony Riordan, Stockton’s Conservative group leader, said: “The Conservative group, residents, business owners and visitors to Stockton town centre have for many years voiced their concerns at the manner in which many individuals, fuelled by alcohol and drugs, along with their antisocial behaviour and criminal acts, have caused abject misery, fear and dread for those who dared venture into the town centre.