100 calls to police about event
CHURCH FESTIVAL DOGGED BY ALLEGATIONS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND SHOPLIFTING
MORE than 100 phone calls have been made to police about the Light and Life festival, which has said to have left some residents of Oakham frightened to leave their homes.
Complaints have been made about alleged anti-social behaviour and shoplifting since the festival opened on Saturday.
Two arrests have been made in connection with the festival, police have confirmed.
About 1,500 people are thought to be attending the religious convention, a Pentecostal Gypsy-led event, at Rutland showground in Oakham.
The site of the event will not be vacated until today.
Rutland County Council leader Oliver Hemsley said: “A small yet significantly impactful group of attendees have chosen to disrespect our community.
“As a result, the council and police are having to manage the immediate impact of these attendees and will continue to do so to protect our community until the site is vacated on Friday.”
Police said they will manage traffic when the event-goers leave the site.
Superintendent Jonny Starbuck said: “Initially we received more than 100 calls to police in relation to this event.
“Mostly these were to notify us that it was happening and ask us if we were aware of the event. There was considerable anti-social behaviour reported and we have made two arrests. Since the policing operation was put in place we have seen these calls to police drop to 20.
“We are aware of non-payment for food and shoplifting from businesses and we are working with them to ensure the right action is taken.
“Mainly, we have had reports of antisocial behaviour and a few reports relating to covid compliance.”
Rutland Council carried out a review of the event plans and risk assessments and made recommendations to the event organisers.
Coun Hemsley added: “This is not an ideal situation and we are certainly not happy we have had to retrofit processes to ensure the safe running of this event for attendees and our community.
“The council and its partners are currently handling the safe running of the event, including ensuring it is operated within Covid-19 regulations and that traffic, noise and waste is managed appropriately.”
Police said they have not advised any businesses to close.
Supt Starbuck said: “This is a decision for the retailers. We understand anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on the community and I would encourage people to continue to report incidents to us.
“We want to stress this is a legal event and the majority of the people visiting are there to enjoy their faith.
“There are only a few who are determined to engage in this negative behaviour.”