North Tyneside Mayor stands “united” with Meadow Well residents in aftermath of Bonfire Night chaos
North Tyneside’s mayor has vowed to stand alongside citizens of an estate hit with Bonfire Night chaos – and has issued a plea to help track down the perpetrators.
North Tyneside’s mayor has vowed to stand alongside citizens of an estate hit with Bonfire Night chaos – and has issued a plea to help track down the perpetrators.
Residents in the Meadow Well area of North Shields witnessed disturbing scenes during Wednesday’s November 5 celebrations, in which a three-year-old girl was injured when a firework was hurled at her pram.
Fires were also lit around Waterville Road and Avon Avenue, while video footage appeared to show a group trying to cut down a pole holding a CCTV camera with an angle grinder.
Labour mayor Karen Clark visited Meadow Well on Friday afternoon in the aftermath of the disturbances, as locals and council staff worked to clean up the estate.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the mayor reiterated that the council will take a “zero tolerance approach”, having earlier threatened enforcement action against any council house tenants involved in the disorder.
She added: “I know the residents in Meadow Well and they are proud of where they live and take pride in their community and care about their families. People have the right to feel safe in their neighbourhood.
“North Tyneside Council is supporting the police who are investigating. North Tyneside Council will also be using any powers at our disposal to address these issues and we are working with a wide range of organisations.”
Mrs Clark continued: “I just want to say a huge thank you to volunteers and the wider residents of the estate. Thank you for your support, I know people take pride of place in where they live. Which is why it is really upsetting when a small minority think they can behave like this and very sadly their behaviour resulted in physical injury.
“The Meadow Well to me is about the people. The majority are law-abiding people who take great pride in their neighbourhood and families.
“I am here to send a message to those who behaved in that appalling way. I care deeply about our communities and I stand firm and united with the wider community.”
Mrs Clark, who succeeded Dame Norma Redfearn as mayor earlier this year, has urged residents to come forward and help police find the culprits behind Wednesday’s chaos.
She added: “If anyone knows the perpetrators in these appalling acts they need to know that it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Arrangements can be made around that, I appreciate people’s feelings but I would encourage people to come forward.
“The perpetrators need to know they are a minority and they are not going to get away with it.“