How safe to you feel in Gateshead Town Centre?
Residents can have their say on how safe they feel Gateshead town centre is – and what the council can do to help.
Gateshead Council has launched a public survey to gauge public feeling on the safety of the town centre. This includes “key locations” such as the Railway Quarter, Trinity Square, the Interchange and the Old Town Hall.
The survey was sparked by previous council engagement with residents, businesses and community groups, which found that tackling anti-social behaviour was one of the major priorities for turning around the perception of the town centre.
According to figures from the Police UK website, there have been 401 reports of anti-social behaviour in the area from June 2023 to June 2024. The survey does not cover High Street South, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “Everyone should love where they live, and we want our region to be a thriving and attractive location for all, free of crime and anti-social behaviour.”
“Through Project Shield, our recently launched proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence, we are working alongside Northumbria Police, the Council, and transport providers directly in Gateshead Town Centre to tackle the matters that residents are most concerned about.
“We will continue to listen to residents and business owners, and work to ensure that Gateshead Town Centre is a place for all to enjoy, and businesses to flourish.”
In an earlier statement, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for culture, sport, and tourism, Coun Angela Douglas, said the authority had “a long way to go” to bring people into the town centre and the survey aimed to “improve perceptions and misconceptions of the town centre”.
Residents also have the option to comment on how the town centre can be improved more generally, and what would encourage more visits. Options range from pedestrianisation, and fewer vacant shops, to more leisure and entertainment venues.
Residents have until 5 pm on Friday, September 13 to contribute to the survey.