A temporary multi-agency community hub has officially opened at North Tyneside’s coast to help combat anti-social behaviour and help residents and visitors feel safe during the summer months.
The hub, which will be hosted from a specially adapted shipping container opposite Tynemouth Boating Lake, will provide a visible base for North Tyneside Council, Northumbria Police and partners to work from – helping to address any concerns from the public.
Funded through North Tyneside Council as part of Operation Coastwatch and the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit’s Seasonal Violence Fund, the facility will be used on an ad hoc basis to strengthen the joint response to any issues affecting the coast during the peak summer period.
It will serve as a shared multi-agency space where staff can engage with members of the public, provide advice and reassurance, and coordinate activity.
To mark the opening of the hub, Elected Mayor Karen Clark, Sir Alan Campbell MP and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Penny-Evans joined officers and inspectors from Northumbria Police as they patrolled the coast.
Speaking on the hub, Mayor Clark said: “We’ve got an incredible, award-winning coastline in North Tyneside and people come from all over to enjoy it.
“The vast majority of visitors treat the area with respect, and we want everyone to feel safe and welcome when they come here. By having this option to bring partner agencies together in one location, we can strengthen our approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, protecting local communities and supporting residents, businesses and visitors along the coast.
“This hub will provide another channel for us to engage with the public, provide the reassurance to help them feel safe and respond quickly to any issues.
"We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure our coastline remains a safe, clean and enjoyable place for everyone, and this hub will play an important role in helping us achieve that throughout the summer."
Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Cook, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the operation, giving us and our partner organisations a dedicated location at the coast to work from during high footfall periods this summer.
“As we have previously said, collaborative working is key to the success of Operation Coastwatch and by having the hub in place it acts as an important meeting point for officers and staff to share information and intelligence around anti-social behaviour and disorder.
“We’ll continue to do all we can alongside our partners to tackle any issues on the North Tyneside coast and keep it the popular destination it is for residents and visitors alike.
“We would remind members of the public that the new hub is not the best place to report crime and other incidents. Anyone looking to report a crime of incident to us should send us a direct message through social media or use the live chat or report forms on our website. If you can’t contact us via those ways, call 101.
“Alternatively, please do not hesitate to approach an officer on duty. Remember that we’re here to help.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “We have the most amazing coastline here in the North East and it’s enjoyed by so many residents and visitors all year round. But as we head into the summer period, our beaches and surrounding areas can become much busier, which is why it’s so important that we do all we can to ensure everyone feels safe.
“This new hub will be in place throughout the summer months, providing a crucial space for police, fire, local authority services, water safety organisations and more, to further engage with the public, offering advice and reassurance.
“It builds on the fantastic work ongoing through Operation Coastwatch, and with support from our Violence Reduction Unit’s Seasonal Violence Fund, it’s strengthening our efforts to preventing anti-social behaviour and violent crime by diverting individuals to positive activities.
“We all have a part to play in keeping our coastline a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone. So, please think of others, drink responsibly, keep emergency access points clear, and stay safe. Together, we’re creating safer streets, and stronger communities for everyone.”
Removable signage will be displayed when partner agencies are operating from the hub, ensuring residents and visitors can easily identify when support and advice are available. The hub is also equipped with 4G connectivity, allowing staff to access digital systems and work effectively from the location.
The installation forms part of wider Operation Coastwatch activity, which focuses on prevention, education and engagement while supporting agencies in addressing seasonal issues that can arise during periods of increased footfall.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to speak with staff when the hub is operational to learn more about local safety initiatives, community support services and the work being carried out to keep the coast safe for all.