Mansfield MP calls on town to follow Nottingham’s lead on face coverings

Mansfield MP Steve Yemm has called on Mansfield District Council to consider new restrictions on balaclavas and face coverings that are used to intimidate people or commit crime.

The letter, sent to Mansfield’s Mayor, Andy Abrahams, follows Nottingham City Council’s recent announcement of plans to tackle the problem.

Under Nottingham’s proposals, authorised officers could ask someone to remove a face covering if they reasonably believe it is being used to hide their identity while committing crime or antisocial behaviour, or to intimidate others.

Legitimate reasons for covering the face, including religion, health, work, the weather and personal safety, would be exempt.

Mr Yemm said: “People in Mansfield should be able to shop, go to work and enjoy their town without being intimidated. When people deliberately hide their identity to threaten others or cause trouble, the council and police need the right powers to step in.”

Mr Yemm recently ran an anti-social behaviour survey and says the responses made it clear that residents want action.

He has now asked the council to assess whether a similar measure could be added to Mansfield’s existing Public Spaces Protection Order.

Mr Yemm has also asked the council to work with Nottinghamshire Police to understand where and how often these incidents happen across Mansfield, Mansfield Woodhouse and Warsop, using police reports, CCTV and the experiences of residents, shopworkers and businesses.

“Residents have told me clearly that they want to feel safe in our town centres. I want to see a proper look at the evidence and a clear timetable from the council, so that if the case is there, we can move quickly to a public consultation,” he added.”