City-wide balaclava ban being considered by council

Derby City Council has said it is looking closely at launching a city-wide balaclava ban.

It comes after Nottingham became one of the first cities in the UK to introduce a ban on balaclavas last month, giving authorities powers to demand face coverings are removed and issue fines if they "reasonably believe" they are being used to commit crime or anti-social behaviour.

The Labour-run authority said it was closely monitoring Nottingham's new policy but no decision had been made over whether to enforce such a ban in Derby.

According to a city council survey carried out last year, almost 69% of females and 68% male participants said they felt "unsafe" walking alone in the city centre at night.

More than 40% of those who took part also said they felt unsafe during the day, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Sarah Chambers, cabinet member for public safety at the authority, said: "We're aware of the restrictions introduced in Nottingham and are following the situation with interest.

"Keeping people safe and tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for us and we will work with police to consider whether there is a need for such a measure in Derby."

Steve Hassall, leader of Derby's Conservative group, said a ban was needed and called for the council to be "more proactive".

"Derby shouldn't simply be saying it is looking at it 'with interest' - we should be getting on with it and looking at how we can introduce the same measure here," he said.

Derbyshire Police said it was also looking at Nottingham's ban closely and "active discussions" could take place soon.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Rebecca Webster said: "We are of course watching the outcome of the Nottingham ban and the successes that may see.

"There will be active conversations with partner agencies in relation to the impact of the restrictions in Nottingham and any consideration of a ban being brought to Derby."

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