Blakelaw parents scared to take kids to football, says club boss

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said the force held “face-to-face meetings to listen to the local community about their concerns and answer any questions”.

“To date, we have identified 20 young people, some of whom have been arrested and are on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Reform chaired a community meeting last month attended by the council, police, fire service and bus operator.

Peter Lovatt, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local services, said his local authority had “set in motion processes that bring together organisations and stakeholders to further discuss and agree positive proactive action”.

“And, as we committed to in that meeting, we will meet again with residents in the near future to look at progress or any new information.”

The Liberal Democrat councillor added that previously, in terms of the number of reported incidents, Blakelaw had “not been a problem area”.

“After concerns were raised, the council has actively engaged with the community, attending events, patrolling both before and after dark, installing CCTV and supporting youth outreach work.”

Campbell said: “It’s a great area, but unfortunately it’s things like this that’s putting a bad name on it.”

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