Stockton is preparing to launch what local leaders describe as the most ambitious high street safety plans in the country, setting out a tough and coordinated response to antisocial behaviour and crime, while strengthening the town’s long-term regeneration.
The new Five-Point Plan, developed jointly by Chris McDonald MP and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Labour leadership, aims to tackle persistent disorder, protect new investment, and restore public confidence across Stockton town centre.
Local leaders say the plan reflects the same level of ambition that has defined Stockton’s recent transformation. The borough has attracted national attention for its bold redevelopment of the riverside, the strategic reshaping of the town centre retail offer, and the success of its publicly owned hotel, which is already returning commercial income to local public services.
The Five-Point Plan also aligns closely with a major national policy package announced by the Government, giving local communities stronger powers to take back control of their high streets, strengthen enforcement, and increase the visibility of neighbourhood policing.
Stockton’s High Street is in the midst of one of the most significant regeneration programmes in the UK. The council’s decision to remove outdated retail units and create a new riverside park has drawn national praise for its boldness and vision, reconnecting the town with the River Tees and creating a landmark public space.
Meanwhile, retail has been deliberately consolidated into Wellington Square, a move designed to create a stronger, more vibrant core, with major new brands opening their doors in recent months. Alongside this, the council’s publicly owned hotel has quickly become a commercial success, reinvesting its profits directly into local public services.
Local leaders say the new Five-Point Plan is designed to match this ambition by confronting the social challenges on the High Street that risk undermining the town’s progress.
The Five-Point Plan
Zero tolerance on nuisance drinking and disorder
We are proposing a strengthened Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Stockton High Street, giving enforcement teams and police clear powers to act. There will be zero tolerance of nuisance drinking and antisocial behaviour, with offenders being suspended from the town centre with full dispersal powers for officers.
Relocation of the Methadone Clinic
We value the essential role that treatment services play, but the current location of the methadone clinic on the High Street is not appropriate. Member of Parliament, Chris McDonald will call for the contract not to be renewed in its present location and for services to be relocated to a more suitable setting, where individuals can access the support they need without contributing to public disorder in the town centre.
Greater police presence and fixed patrols
We will continue working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Cleveland Police to secure dedicated, full-time patrols on Stockton High Street and enhance multi-agency partnerships. A permanent police presence, supported by rapid-response teams at peak times, will ensure residents, workers and visitors feel safe and that crime and antisocial behaviour are dealt with swiftly.
A safe space for those seeking help
We know that some people in our town centre need support, not punishment. That’s why we are working on proposals for a supervised space away from the High Street, giving individuals with long-term addiction challenges a safer, professionally monitored environment where they can be cared for discreetly and appropriately. With specialist healthcare staff on site, this would provide a controlled setting that reduces the impact on the town centre and helps people engage with treatment when they are ready.
Tackling problem HMOs and unfair placements
Stockton’s communities deserve fairness and balance. Areas such as Hartington Road and Newtown have seen an excessive concentration of HMOs and temporary accommodation, which has put real strain on local services and contributed to wider antisocial behaviour. While we are committed to doing our part, Stockton cannot become the primary destination for parolees, people with complex needs, or others being placed here from outside the borough without the proper support structures in place.
We will work with the Council, housing providers and Government departments to reduce the number of poorly managed HMOs, ensure proper support for residents, and stop other areas offloading their responsibilities onto our community at a cost to local people.
The launch of Stockton’s plan follows a major national announcement from the Prime Minister, setting out a new strategy to help communities reclaim high streets and “restore pride in place”. The proposals include stronger enforcement powers for councils, increased neighbourhood policing, and new mechanisms for communities to take control of derelict or dangerous properties.
Ministers describe the national approach as a shift towards early intervention and neighbourhood-led action. Stockton’s leaders say the borough is well placed to take advantage of these new powers, thanks to its strong record on regeneration and its clear, ambitious vision for a safe and thriving High Street.
Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North comment
“Stockton is a town full of pride, potential and community spirit. But too many residents and businesses have told me they no longer feel safe on our High Street – and they’re right to expect better.
This is the most ambitious plan of its kind anywhere in the country. It’s tough where it needs to be, compassionate where it should be, and rooted entirely in the belief that Stockton deserves a Town Centre we can all be proud of.”
Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council comment
“Stockton has shown time and time again that we can deliver bold regeneration and real positive change. This plan matches that ambition. It tackles the issues holding our High Street back while protecting the huge progress we’ve made. We’re building a town centre that families can enjoy, businesses can thrive in, and the whole borough can be proud of.”
This article was made from a press release by Middlesbrough Council.
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