Shock as police issue park dispersal order
MOVE WAS IN RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND ASSAULTS
WEST Bridgford residents say they have been left shocked after a dispersal order was imposed near the town’s park by police earlier this week.
Nottinghamshire Police say there has been a spate of anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as several assaults reported near Bridgford Park, 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 and a number of incidents remain under investigation.
The neighbourhood policing team put a temporary dispersal order in place, which gives police power to order people away from the area on Monday, for a period of 48 hours.
Visitors to Bridgford Park and the town’s shops say they were surprised to hear about the bad behaviour, which they said 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 [Tuesday].
“They might have thought it was fun but they kept veering into the road and I don’t think it was the best idea.
“It’s a shame because this is a lovely area,” said another resident. “Things like that are harmless but you get more serious things happening as well by the sounds of it.”
Joe Church, 72, said 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, You have pretty much everything here.” Meanwhile, Sue Newton, 62, told the Post: “I don’t think you expect that sort of thing to happen here in West Bridgford. If it’s one group then hopefully police can move them on if they need to. If people are causing a nuisance or any trouble they deserve it.” Sergeant Sarah Merrall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said several reports of anti-social behaviour had been received in the area over the past few days. She said the dispersal order was to “cover the park and surrounding area to target groups who are perceived as causing or likely to cause nuisance. She added: “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.”
I find it hard to believe anything like that goes on here because it’s mostly just families and dogs I see. Joe Church