Market trader slams claims high street is a 'no go zone' for affecting footfall
A market trader has hit out at claims a Teesside town's high street is a 'no go zone' after online criticism he says is hitting footfall.
John Buckle, known as John the Pie Man, has been selling his pastry-filled creations at Stockton High Street's market for 13 years.
The high street has faced criticism in a handful of social media groups, with posts claiming the market area is a 'no go area' and pictures shared of alleged anti-social behaviour.
But the 52-year-old pie man is determined to quash what he calls a 'false narrative' affecting footfall, insisting the high street is a good place to visit and work.
"There have been quite a lot of negative posts about the high street," he said.
"It's just not true.
"I work there twice a week, and have done for years.
"I love this town. I love the people, they are so down to earth, so honest.
"We don't sugar coat stuff. We all say how we feel.
"But people see stuff online that looks in all aspects like it's from a genuine verified news source. So they can't be blamed for believing the false negative narrative.
"Obviously crime exists everywhere. I don't know the statistics for the town centre but it's never felt unsafe during the day. I'm there for 11 hours twice a week. I shop there regularly.
John the Pie Man with his grandchild in Stockton. (Image: John the Pie Man) "It's all lies and affecting footfall for no reason."
John has met with Stockton North MP Chris McDonald to discuss the issue and highlighted his work serving free pie and peas for homeless people in the town - something he has done for about four years.
He hopes that his work will prove that 'Stockton High Street is a safe space to shop' and more people will come into the town as a result.
Stockton Borough Council said efforts had been made in recent months to clean up the street and more police were visible throughout the town now.
Chris McDonald MP said: "I've been contacted by many local residents who've raised concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour on Stockton High Street - and they're right to care deeply about their home town.
"Fourteen years of cuts in Government funding have hit towns like Stockton hardest, stripping away vital services and undermining community safety.
"We are turning a corner. Since being elected, we've committed to 13,000 new officers across the country. Stockton is getting its share of those new officers and we have secured 7-day-a-week policing in the town centre.
"I won't pretend all the problems are solved, but confidence is growing. The High Street is safer, busier, and more vibrant - and we're only just getting started."
Criticism of Stockton came to the forefront of the political world in 2023 when then Conservative home secretary James Cleverly was accused of calling the town a 's***hole' in the House of Commons.
Mr Cleverly apologised at the time, insisting he called then-Labour MP Alex Cunningham 'sh**' instead.
Councillor Norma Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: 'We want our town centres to be welcoming places, where residents and visitors can enjoy spending time and businesses can flourish.
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'Daily patrols take place by dedicated town centre civic enforcement officers but as part of Operation Shield, they are boosted by regular joint patrols with Cleveland Police. There is also targeted substance misuse support taking place for those needing it. 'Although crime is down in both Stockton Town Centre and the Ropner Ward, we have listened to both residents and businesses about their concerns around safety in the town centre, and how this affects people's perceptions and experience.
"We hope Operation Shield provides further reassurance for members of the public who live, work and visit the town centre."
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