Call to ban drinking in Hartlepool's public spaces after reports of urinating in the streets in Seaton Carew

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs confirmed at the extraordinary meeting of the council they would look at putting restrictions in place.

Coun Leisa Smith raised the concerns and said she wanted to see officers looking at instating an alcohol ban in Seaton Carew public spaces after issues since some pubs reopened for takeaway.

Coun Smith, who represents the Seaton ward, said: “We’ve seen the opening of pubs who are using public spaces to be able to do takeaway alcohol.

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“People are starting to urinate in the streets, people are congregating outside and we have no laws to be able to move them on or do anything.

“We’re a family place, we really shouldn’t have to put up with that and it’s not going to get any better because the pubs aren’t opening indoors anywhere soon.”

She also noted the continued popularity of Seaton Carew with visitors, despite the Covid-19 outbreak, and said steps need to be taken to protect the area, such as preventing drinking in public spaces.

The Putting Seaton First councillor said: “I do believe Seaton being a visitors attraction has not helped us in containing the outbreak within our town, so the more that we can put in place to stop that would be great.”

Council Chief Executive Gill Alexander noted the concerns and added they would form part of the council’s plan going forward as they continue to deal with Covid-19.

She said: “We really do need to look at this.

“Some of the events in Seaton Carew since lockdown was initially eased are a matter of concern so officers are looking at that and I’m happy to add that as a recommendation.”

She added although the issue will ultimately have to go before the licensing department it will form part of the next phase of the coronavirus response after being backed by councillors.

Coun John Tennant, chair of Neighbourhood Service Committee, added work has already started to look to provide a resolution to the issue.

He said: “I just wanted to reassure that I have already been in touch with the neighbourhoods department with regards to building up some sort of approach to tackling that over the next few months and possibly even longer.”

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