The call follows serious incidents in the Bishop Cuthbert area – including reports of large groups of young people gathering, criminal damage and fireworks being thrown towards homes and a nearby care facility – which led to Cleveland Police issuing a 48-hour dispersal order.
MP Jonathan Brash says residents have been raising concerns with him for months – including organising four meetings to try and secure action.
Whilst praising Cleveland Police for their response, the MP believes a functioning CCTV camera would help identify those responsible, support police investigations and provide vital evidence.
He said: “I have had enough of excuses. Residents have been raising this for too long, the police are doing their bit, residents are doing their bit, developers are doing their bit and I have been pushing this repeatedly. And yet the council has still not replaced the CCTV. How many more months of excuses will it take? How many more incidents? How much more damage?”
Mr Brash added: “The council has already said CCTV is a priority for community safety and has invested in modernising its network. So there should be absolutely no excuse for a community like Bishop Cuthbert to be left waiting year after year.”
Resident Liam Stephenson, who has been campaigning for the Bishop Cuthbert CCTV camera to be replaced for a considerable period, said: “Residents have been asking for this CCTV camera to be replaced for a long time. We have raised it repeatedly because we know how important it is to the safety of this community. People should not have to put up with vandalism, antisocial behaviour and the fear that comes with it. We want our children to be able to use the park and our families to feel safe in their own neighbourhood.”
A spokesperson for Hartlepool Borough Council said: “Hartlepool Borough Council condemns the anti-social behaviour and vandalism witnessed in the Bishop Cuthbert area and understands the concerns of local residents.
“Mr Brash will be aware from previous discussions with the council that the CCTV camera at Bishop Cuthbert Park is not located on land owned by the council. The council has repeatedly sought both funding and a commitment from the developer to reinstate CCTV coverage in the area, but no firm commitment has yet been secured.”
The spokesperson went on: “Despite the ownership position, the council has continued to work proactively with local ward councillors, residents and partner agencies to address concerns in the area. Through this collaborative approach, a number of improvements have been delivered, including the installation of new fencing and other measures designed to reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour.”
“In addition, additional CCTV has been deployed to the area, and the council continues to work closely with Cleveland Police and other partners to support enforcement activity, provide reassurance to residents and tackle anti-social behaviour across all parks and open spaces in Hartlepool.”
They added: “The council remains committed to working with the developer, local residents, ward councillors and Cleveland Police to identify practical measures that improve community safety and protect the area for everyone who uses it.”
