Latest news with #OwenCleugh
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
LISTED: The temporary stop offs in County Durham for travellers heading to Appleby
Eight temporary stop-off areas in County Durham have been identified for travellers en-route to Appleby Horse Fair. As in previous years, Durham County Council has set up Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs) along roads traditionally used by travellers heading to and from the fair. The fair will be held on its traditional date and will run from Thursday 5 to Wednesday, June 11. Eight TSOAs have been prepared in Teesdale and South West Durham, which are open now until Friday, June 28. The TSOAs in South West Durham are located at: Westerton Layby, DL14 8AL Gurney Valley, DL14 8RP The sites located in Teesdale are: Broomielaw Picnic Area, DL12 8TT Guide Post Corner, Bowes, DL12 9HU Land at Stainton Bank, DL12 8RQ Shaw Bank Field, DL12 8TD Wackerfield Layby, DL2 3AP Winston Corner, DL2 3RW Temporary signs will be in place showing the locations of the TSOAs as well as signed guidance for those who encamp. Officers from the council and representatives from other organisations will be making regular visits to the TSOAs and, should any appear, unauthorised encampments, to ensure appropriate support is offered to those using them. Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council's safer places manager, said: 'We have been working closely with partners, businesses, residents and members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community to provide sites ahead of Appleby Fair. Read More: How much Darlington car parking charges will increase by ahead of 2025 rise 'Hammer blow' for DL1 as latest closure to leave more than half of units empty Man charged with attempted murder after late-night house blaze 'The TSOAs are being set up for the benefit of both those using them and residents living along the routes. We would strongly encourage those travelling to utilise the designated areas, instead of camping in unauthorised locations.' Sites are being provided as part of a coordinated response with the South West Durham and Dales Business, Residents and Travellers group. This group includes representatives from the council, town and parish councils, Durham Constabulary, businesses and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller representatives. Those travelling to Appleby can find more information about TSOAs here.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fines handed out for begging and drunkenness
On-the-spot fines have been handed out in a city centre after a street ban on begging and nuisance behaviour came into force. Durham County Council said it had given out 23 fixed penalty notices since it introduced the public space protection orders (PSPO) in November banning anti-social behaviour, including urinating in the street. It said most of the fines of £100 were given out for begging and intoxication through drink and drugs. Owen Cleugh, the council's safe place's manager, said the action was acting as a "deterrent" to culprits. Up to 80 city centre traders backed a call to ban nuisance behaviour in 2023 and it was introduced last year. They complained of behaviour which was having an "adverse effect" on trade and putting off shoppers. A letter signed by the traders on behalf of Durham Markets Company said they were particularly concerned about begging in Market Place and outdoor drinking fuelled by drugs. The council said 10 fines were given out for begging,10 for intoxication and the rest for urinating and defecating in the street. Mr Cleugh said: "The action is proving to be a valuable deterrent in tackling anti-social behaviour. "Alongside the wide range of support, education, and other action that we are taking, we have noticed fewer issues and some positive changes to behaviour. "Feedback from residents and businesses has also been positive and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that Durham remains a friendly, welcoming and safe place for all who live and work in, and visit the city." Durham Police said that problems were caused by a small number of people who were "disproportionately" having a negative impact. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Street ban on begging and drinking approved Plan to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in city Durham County Council
BBC News
03-05-2025
- BBC News
Fines given out in Durham city centre for begging and drunkenness
On-the-spot fines have been handed out in a city centre after a street ban on begging and nuisance behaviour came into force. Durham County Council said it had given out 23 fixed penalty notices since it introduced the public space protection orders (PSPO) in November banning anti-social behaviour, including urinating in the street. It said most of the fines of £100 were given out for begging and intoxication through drink and drugs. Owen Cleugh, the council's safe place's manager, said the action was acting as a "deterrent" to culprits. Up to 80 city centre traders backed a call to ban nuisance behaviour in 2023 and it was introduced last year. They complained of behaviour which was having an "adverse effect" on trade and putting off shoppers.A letter signed by the traders on behalf of Durham Markets Company said they were particularly concerned about begging in Market Place and outdoor drinking fuelled by drugs. The council said 10 fines were given out for begging,10 for intoxication and the rest for urinating and defecating in the street. Mr Cleugh said: "The action is proving to be a valuable deterrent in tackling anti-social behaviour. "Alongside the wide range of support, education, and other action that we are taking, we have noticed fewer issues and some positive changes to behaviour."Feedback from residents and businesses has also been positive and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that Durham remains a friendly, welcoming and safe place for all who live and work in, and visit the city."Durham Police said that problems were caused by a small number of people who were "disproportionately" having a negative impact. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
