Northumberland councillor urges Government to continue funding for police project tackling anti-social behaviour

Project Shield was launched in July 2024 to tackle ASB hotspots and saw 227 arrests within the first year.

ASB incidents fell by 32% in those hotspots in the second quarter of this year. However, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has warned the funding for the project cannot be guaranteed for next year.

The initiative allows for the force to work alongside six local authorities and transport providers to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence across known hotspot areas.

Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for public safety, Coun Gordon Stewart, urged the Government to fund the scheme.

He said: “Our police stations and police desks have been closed, denying residents the opportunity to have easy access to face-to-face discussions with the police. Our rural communities are crying out for additional police patrols and officers are frustrated at the lack of support.

“Now this Labour Government has created more anguish with the possible withdrawal of this funding. It is such a small sum of money when you look at the bigger picture.

“Project Shield has been and continues to be a massive success in our communities. I wish to thank all who have contributed to its success and hope the Government sees sense quickly.”

Northumberland has seen worked targeted in Cramlington, Morpeth and Ashington.

Ms Dungworth made the announcement at the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel this week. The commissioner said she would be “very, very, very surprised” if the force received funding for the project next year.

She asked stakeholders to consider how to continue the work together.

Northumberland saw a drop in recorded incidents of ASB from September 2024 to September 2025 from 6,987 to 5,551 – a decrease of 21%.

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.