Newton Aycliffe Mayor hits back over negativity around town

Cllr Ken Robson says he will always talk up the town in spite of tales of gangs of teenagers, motorbike-riding youngsters wearing balaclavas and abusive youths throwing “mud” in stores on an evening.

According to shop owners, windows have been put out with rocks, leaving shoppers and residents feeling “frightened” to come in after dark. A total of 26% of shops are also boarded up – one of the highest percentages across County Durham, behind only Peterlee and Bishop Auckland.

But despite this, Mayor Robson is still optimistic about what Aycliffe has to offer – and took the opportunity to condemn negativity he claims stems from the town itself and online.

Cllr Robson told the Echo: “I spend a lot of my time going out around the region talking to people about how good of a town Newton Aycliffe is.

“Aycliffe is a wonderful place.

“The town centre put things on like the food market which is really good, easter activities, Christmas activities. It’s not just about shops, it’s about community.”

Matthew Seal, who runs Thames Fruit and Veg in the town centre, told The Northern Echo about the scenes he sees on a daily basis including dozens of teens on bikes said to descend on the town every evening after 5pm “terrorising” shops and shoppers.

“The kids are a nightmare,” the 35-year-old said.

“There are hundreds of kids who come to the town centre now, especially in the last six to ten months.”

Shopper Shirley Askew, 63, added: “I wouldn’t come down here after dark, I’d be too frightened. There are too many kids; on roller-skates, on bikes. It makes you feel unsafe.”

Mayor Robson says it is “not right” that some feel frightened.

“I’m very worried at what is happening in my community at the moment – but I love talking up my town,” he said.

“A lot of negativity comes from inside the town and on social media. I hear of stories that people are frightened to come into the town at night – that’s not right.

“It makes me feel angry and disappointed.”

According to Durham Police data, reports of anti-social behaviour in the centre have fallen from 170 between September 2024 and February 2025, to 120 in the same period a year later.

The force added they use tactics including drones, dispersal notices, CCTV and put on extra patrols in an attempt to curb disturbances.

Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Peele said: “We take antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and share the views of most people who believe this behaviour has no place in our communities.

“My neighbourhood team work closely with residents, young people, partners, and businesses to problem solve issues. Antisocial behaviour affects the whole community, and it is not solely the responsibility of the police.

“We know that much of the antisocial behaviour in Newton Aycliffe is caused by a small number of repeat offenders and that their behaviour involves criminal offences.

“We are committed to preventing crime, protecting the public, and focusing our resources where they are most needed. Extra patrols provide a highly visible and reassuring presence, allowing officers to respond swiftly and effectively to any emerging issues.”

Do you agree with the Mayor’s positive spin? Let us know in the comments.