Five-point safety plan for town centre

MP: 'TOO MANY RESIDENTS NO LONGER FEEL SAFE'

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

A PERMANENT police presence, zero tolerance on disorder, a moved methadone clinic and a safe space for people with addictions are among the measures in a new “five-point plan” unveiled for Stockton town centre.

Local leaders say the plan to “reclaim the High Street” is one of the most ambitious safety plans in the country. It also includes a stronger public space protection order (PSPO) and measures to tackle problem homes in multiple occираtion (HMOs) to “stop other areas offloading their responsibilities onto our community”.

The plan, developed by Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald and Stockton Council's Labour lead ership, aims to take a “tough and coordinated response to antisocial behaviour and crime”. It is also meant to strengthen the town’s regeneration, tackle persistent disorder, protect new investment, and restore public confidence.