THE 02-52 MARTIN ROAD PROJECT Crime and Disorder Reduction Northumbria Police ACC Paul Leighton Contact: Sergeant Steve Todd Wallsend Area Command 20 Alexandra Street Wallsend Telephone: 0181214 6555 ext 63311 Fax: 01661 863354 Email:
[email protected] Martin Road Project - Executive Summary THE Martin Road area of Howdon, North Tyneside, is like many others in urban Britain. A mainly local authority-run estate, its high levels of unemployment and deprivation had led to an acceptance by residents and local agencies that anti-social behaviour and juvenile disorder were inevitable. But in this particular area, the problems gradually worsened until they reached a stage where effective, permanent, sustainable action was the only option. In the six months from January 1 2001, incidents of serious disorder were becoming excessive. They peaked between March and May 2001 when police officers and fire-fighters were regularly attacked by large groups of missile-throwing youths, council houses were set on fire and nearby Metro trains and other property damaged. The residents shared the views of the emergency services that enough was enough and brought their problems to the March meeting of the local Police and Community Forum. A month later the first meeting of the Martin Road Public Safety Group was held and the first step had been taken on the road to recovery. People representing the police, the local authority, a housing association, the fire service, local businesses, the main transport operator, residents and schools met to tackle the problem - and find a solution - together. Shared information and a residents survey confirmed high levels of serious disorder including arson, damage and missile throwing.