Balaclava ban is named for as bike-riding masked youths terrify harmless residents – however those that say they’re sporting them for non secular causes will keep away from the £100 wonderful

A small town in the North East of England could see a balaclava ban introduced after bands of bike-riding masked youths terrorised local residents. 

The ban on face coverings could see offenders slapped with an £100 fine but those who claim their masks are for religious reasons will avoid it.

Over the past six months, the residents of the quaint town of Darlington have been blighted by groups of balaclava-clad teenagers who harass and intimidate people – including young families.

The youths ride thorough Darlington, often on  electric-powered bikes or quad bikes, zigzagging in and out of traffic while doing wheelies and other dangerous manoeuvres.  

One local shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous, even claimed that they have witnessed the groups ‘throwing food’ and using ‘bad and racist language’.  

The issue has become so bad that Durham Police received around 800 reports of anti-social behaviour in the town between July and August this year.

Now, the town’s Labour MP Lola McEvoy is calling on the local council to introduce a public space protection order (PSPO) which would allow the police to fine anyone wearing a balaclava or other face coverings to harass or intimidate people £100.

However, face coverings worn for religious reasons – such as the burqa – will be exempt from the ban.

Over the past six months, the residents of the quaint town of Darlington have been terrorised by groups of balaclava-clad teenagers who harass and intimidate people – including young families

The youths ride thorough Darlington, often on electric-powered bikes or quad bikes, zigzagging in and out of traffic while doing wheelies and other dangerous manoeuvres

One local shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous, even claimed that they have witnessed the groups ‘throwing food’ and using ‘bad and racist language’

Councils in Surrey, Essex and the West Midlands have recently introduced similar measures. 

Darlington’s Labour MP Lola McEvoy (pictured) is calling on the local council to introduce a public space protection order (PSPO) which would allow the police to fine anyone wearing a balaclava

Ms McEvoy told BBC News: ‘So many residents have brought [balaclava-clad youths] up with me and that in parks and across the town they are using balaclavas to hide from the police and it’s intimidating, people don’t want to go to the park with their kids. I want to see action taken on it’.

‘The police said there’s been 100 incidents last year where balaclavas were mentioned and that’s in the town centre alone. There’s been 800 cases of anti-social behaviour in Darlington between July and October this year.’

Meanwhile the Tory MP for the neighbouring constituency of Stockton West, Matt Vickers, is also calling for a PSPO.   

A spokesperson for Darlington Borough Council said: ‘We want Darlington town centre to remain a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

‘We understand that seeing people wearing balaclavas or masks can make residents and visitors feel uneasy, that is why we are committed to working with the police to look into these concerns.’

Durham Police’s Inspector David Littlefair said most people wearing balaclavas were younger.

He said: ‘While they may not always be actively participating in criminal behaviour, their actions are making people feel unsafe and unable to use public spaces comfortably.

‘Everyone has a right to feel safe where they live, and we share the views of most people who believe that this behaviour has no place in our communities.’