Residents in Consett have homes taken over by anti-social behaviour

Those who live on Newlands in Blackhill, Consett, have been left feeling scared to leave the house and fearing for their own properties after months of anti-social behaviour, drug taking, and '24/7 noise'.

Starting in October 2022, those who live on the street have tried to work with Durham Police, Durham County Council, and housing provider Karbon Homes - but now say that "enough is enough". 

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John McGee, who owns a house on Newlands, has opened up on the issues that have taken over the place he lives - which has left him "frustrated" and "angered". 

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr McGee said: "These issues have got to stop - it's meant that we feel unsafe in our own homes and gardens - we can't go out in the daytime for fear that we'll be harassed.

"The day times see shouting and screaming at people, and the nights - people are always coming and going and loud music is constantly played."

Litter left in the garden of the property (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

After contacting the police, and the council, both agencies say that they are working together to try and make the lives of the residents better - highlighting that "everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home".

Neighbourhood Inspector for Consett, Dave Stewart, said: “There is work ongoing between the neighbourhood policing team and a housing provider to address specific issues of anti-social behaviour in Blackhill and we will continue to work with partners to help resolve issues for residents.

The door with a hole in laid next to the property (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

“Anti-social behaviour is not something that people should have to put up with.

Inspector Stewart added: “This type of behaviour affects the whole community, and it is not something that the police can solve on our own.

“To continue tackling anti-social behaviour effectively and efficiently, we need the knowledge and support of everyone living within our communities. This also includes private businesses, voluntary organisations, and residents themselves– we must all work together as one team."

A bottle used for drugs at the County Durham property (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Despite the work that has already been done, Mr McGee feels that more can be done after the issues have started to escalate to doors getting kicked in and an increase in violence-related incidents. 

He added: "It's beyond a joke now - it's got to the point where people don't want to open their curtains because of the danger this anti-social behaviour poses. 

"For several days, the door disappeared a the house - and it turned out that it had been kicked in. 

A door and several pieces of litter ditched away from the property (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

"I've got multiple photos and bits of evidence - but want the agencies to play a bigger role."

After approaching Durham County Council, Owen Cleugh, the council's safer places manager, told The Northern Echo that it has received reports of anti-social behaviour, but needs more people to lodge evidence so they can investigate.

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He said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on communities, and we take all reports we receive very seriously.

“We received one report concerning a property in Blackhill and have been working closely with our partners to address this.

"We would encourage anyone who has concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in this area to report them to us via www.durham.gov.uk/asb. Anyone requiring immediate assistance should call 101 or 999.”