Stoke-on-Trent Could Consider Balaclava Ban As Council Leader Tackles Anti-Social Behaviour

Stoke-on-Trent could become the latest city to consider restrictions on face coverings as the council looks at ways of tackling anti-social behaviour.

Labour leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Jane Ashworth, said the authority would consider exploring a possible ban on face coverings such as balaclavas.

The comments came during BBC Radio Stoke's Hot Seat 'Ask Ashworth' programme, where the council leader faced questions about some of the issues currently affecting communities across the city.

A possible restriction would follow similar measures introduced in other areas, including Stafford, Wolverhampton and Nottingham, amid concerns about anti-social behaviour in town centres.

The issue comes as the city continues to deal with complaints involving masked groups, e-bikes, littering, drugs and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

Ashworth also addressed recent problems on Stoke-on-Trent's bus network. Last month, the council introduced a temporary change meaning under-15s could no longer travel alone on buses for free during evening hours.

The council leader said the decision followed reports of bus drivers being subjected to what she described as "unpleasant and dangerous behaviour".

Speaking about the wider problem, Ashworth said a small minority of young people were "ruining it for the rest", while also stressing that concerns around face coverings were not limited to youngsters.

She said it was not simply young people wearing balaclavas, claiming that "grown men" were also involved in behaviour causing concern within communities.

Any move to introduce restrictions on face coverings in Stoke-on-Trent would need to be explored further before any decision is made.