Campaign aims to encourage Hartlepool folk to take pride in their area

(Left to right) Hartlepool Council Civil Enforcement Officer Steve Forster, Housing Apprentice Kate Hunter, Housing Standards Officer Paul Remington, Kate Ainger, Project Officer in the Community Safety and Engagement Team, and Civil Enforcement Officer Glen Ford were among those taking part in the Jesmond Ward day of action.

A campaign aiming to encourage people in Hartlepool take pride in their area has been tackling issues in the Jesmond area.

Anti social behaviour, fly-tipping, off-road bikes and parking were among the issues addressed when the ward was the latest to be the focus of the Respect Your Neighbourhood campaign.

Led by Hartlepool Council, the scheme involves local groups including the police and fire brigade under the banner of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership in days of action in a particular area of town once a month.

The Jesmond ward day of action concentrated on areas including; Easington Road, Chester Road, Thornhill Gardens and Raby Road. It also included Grayfields Recreation Ground and the Chester Road allotments.

The day saw dumped rubbish and fly-tipping from several locations cleared up by The Thirteen Group and a spot-check on the Chester Road allotments to ensure that there were no unauthorised bonfires.

Problems with youths gathering around the shops on Chatham Road, Chatham Gardens and around St Oswald’s Church have been referred to the council’s anti-social behaviour unit.

Councillor Marjorie James, chair of the council’s Neighbourhood Services Policy Committee, said: “Anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, irresponsible parking and people using off-road bikes on public roads and in neighbourhood areas are all things which spoil people’s quality of life and, working with our partner organisations, we are determined to stamp them out.”