Working Together for a Safer, Stronger Spennymoor

Around 50 residents joined local police officers, council representatives and partner organisations at Spennymoor Town Hall for our latest PACT (Police and Communities Together) meeting, on Wednesday 22 October.

Thank you to everyone who came, as these meetings only work because our community turns up, speaks up and plays its part.

It was clear people have real concerns about anti-social behaviour, drug-related incidents and pressures on community safety across parts of Spennymoor.

Positive Action

The Police shared several updates:

• Arrests linked to drug-related and shoplifting offences in the High Street
• Evictions and injunctions at properties where persistent issues were identified
• Recovery of a stolen scooter
• Assistance with a Ferryhill cannabis farm closure
• Eight stop-and-search operations in Spennymoor
• Over 330 hours of additional police patrols
• Installation of new HD CCTV in Jubilee Park, funded by Spennymoor Town Council

These actions show enforcement is happening and when residents report issues, we can and do respond. Speedwatch operations have also continued, with notices issued when vehicles exceed limits. Road safety remains a priority for residents and for me.

Community Concerns

Residents raised a series of strong and direct concerns, relating to:

• Anti-social behaviour in parts of the town
• Fly-tipping and dog fouling
• Fear for personal safety, especially older residents
• Damage to public property, such as bus shelters
• The impact of HMOs and halfway housing

Some attendees said the concentration of certain types of supported accommodation is having a negative impact on community cohesion and safety. Many feeling County decisions have not adequately considered the pressures on our town.

The Town Council has opposed planning we believe is detrimental to residents and will continue to challenge decisions that we feel place unfair burden on Spennymoor.

Residents also raised concerns about communication from housing providers and need for stronger partnerships and accountability. I will follow up with relevant agencies.

Princess Court Update

Police and Livin provided an update on continuing issues in and around Princess Court:

• Eviction and injunction processes are underway for several tenancies
• Additional patrols are being carried out
• Vulnerable residents have been moved to safer accommodation
• There is more to do, but multi-agency action progresses.

Reporting Crime and ASB

A key message from the Police was to report every incident of anti-social behaviour.

If it isn’t reported, it cannot be recorded and without data, Spennymoor will not receive the level of policing it needs and deserves.

• 999 for emergencies
• 101 for non-emergencies
• Crimestoppers for anonymous reporting

Some residents expressed frustration with 101 response times, but reporting remains essential. Information helps shape patrols, investigations and long-term action plans.

Moving Forward

Emotions ran high, but what came through was a love for the town and determination to restore confidence and safety.

Residents should be reassured that their:

• Concerns are heard
• Safety matters
• Town Council continues to support you
• County Council, housing providers and partner agencies will be contacted to secure fair treatment and proper accountability

Spennymoor’s strength is its people and your commitment to working with us is what will drive the change we all want to see.

Next PACT meeting will take place at Spennymoor Town Hall on December 17 @ 6:00 pm