County Durham considers banning balaclavas to tackle anti-social behaviour

Summarised from The Northern Echo's report · Updated 9 Oct, 18:44 · Archive

Durham County Council is considering banning face coverings including balaclavas as part of new anti-yob orders across seven towns.

Durham County Council is considering new anti-yob orders covering Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Durham City, Peterlee, Seaham and Stanley. The measures would give council officers and police additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, with proposals including restrictions on face coverings such as balaclavas.

Reaction to the plans was largely supportive. Some residents described balaclavas as intimidating and called for tougher action. Barbara Matthews said people wearing balaclavas while riding e-bikes in Escomb were 'very intimidating', whilst others argued there was 'no reason for them at all'.

However, a recurring theme among comments was scepticism over enforcement. Several residents questioned whether the proposal was practical and whether it would actually be enforced in practice.

Read the report

• 'Very intimidating' balaclavas should be banned in County Durham say residentsCounty Durham residents have said the council's plan to ban 'very intimidating' balaclavas would be a 'good' decision.The Northern Echo · 9 Oct, 17:30

In this story: Durham County Council · County Durham · Bishop Auckland · Consett · Durham City · Seaham

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