West Bridgford residents say they have been left shocked after a dispersal order was imposed near the town's park by police. Nottinghamshire Police says there has been a spate of anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as several assaults reported near Bridgford Park, just off Central Avenue.
Members of the public have reported to police that a group of young people have been behaving in an "aggressive and antisocial manner" in recent days - a number of incidents remain under investigation. The neighbourhood policing team has put a temporary dispersal order in place, which gives police power to order people away from the area - it was issued on Monday, May 9 for a period of 48 hours.
On Wednesday, May 11, visitors to Bridgford Park and the town's shops say they were surprised to hear about the bad behaviour, which they say has no place in West Bridgford. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I've seen a lot of young people who were out riding and pushing each other in shopping trolleys last night. They might have thought it was fun but they kept veering into the road and I don't think it was the best idea.
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"It's a shame because this is a lovely area," said one resident. "Things like that are harmless but you get more serious things happening as well by the sounds of it."
Joe Church, 72, says he goes to the park at least once a week to stretch his legs. He said: "I find it hard to believe anything like that goes on here because it's mostly just families and dogs I see! But then I am not going at night and that's when I imagine police have their work cut out.
"You get things like this happen anywhere, don't you? It's a few who spoil it for everybody else. It's pointless. I love West Bridgford, I think because you have pretty much everything here."
Meanwhile, Sue Newton, 62, told Nottinghamshire Live: "I don't think you expect that sort of thing to happen here in West Bridgford. If it's one group then hopefully police know who they are and now they can move them on if they need to. I think police should be able to do that anyway, to be honest with you. If people are causing a nuisance or any trouble they deserve it."
Sergeant Sarah Merrall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have received several reports of anti-social behaviour in the area over the last few days and this is something we take very seriously. In response a dispersal order has been issued to cover the park and surrounding area to target groups who are perceived as causing or likely to cause nuisance.
“As a result, anyone who refuses to leave the area when asked will be committing an offence. Members of the Neighbourhood Policing team will also be out and about throughout the week to respond to and tackle any reports of anti-social behaviour. I would also encourage residents who are concerned about crime and disorder to get in contact with us as soon as possible. We will listen and we will react.”
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