Resort put on ‘lockdown’ as firms are forced to shut after weekend of disorder
THE seaside town of Cromer was put on “lockdown” following reports of disorder over the weekend.
Around 30 motorhomes pulled up at a car park on the Norfolk resort’s seafront on Friday. A series of incidents, including reports of thefts from shops and pubs, prompted local establishments to close on Saturday night, with some vowing to stay closed yesterday.
North Norfolk District Council described the scene in the car park as an “illegal encampment” and confirmed it had “served notice on the travellers to leave”. Norfolk Constabulary said it had stepped up patrols in response to what it branded “anti-social behaviour and low-level disorder”.
Norman Lamb, the MP for North Norfolk, described “utterly intolerable” scenes, which included an incident at an Indian restaurant in which staff were allegedly physically threatened when they informed a group of around 30 that they would need to buy a meal with their drinks. “No one can be above or beyond the law and we have to make sure this criminal behaviour is dealt with,” Mr Lamb said.
He described another incident at a chip shop, in which a number of individuals allegedly “marched to the front of the queue and demanded fish and chips”. “‘Give it to us or there will be trouble,’ they suggested,” Mr Lamb said. He added that the “intimidating behaviour” had forced local businesses to close during the peak season, which was “economically vital for the town”.
Norfolk Constabulary confirmed there would continue to be a police presence in the town following the events, in which no arrests were made.
Superintendent Malcolm Cooke said: “We acknowledge there have been a number of incidents in Cromer over the weekend, which will understandably cause concern. However, I can assure residents these incidents have been dealt with appropriately and are of a nature routinely dealt with in towns such as Cromer on a busy August weekend.”
There were also reports of an alleged rape at a bus stop in Cromer on Friday night. Police were investigating the incident, which was said not to be linked to the disorder.
Tom Fitzpatrick, the leader of the council, said the town was “very much open for business”. The council confirmed “the majority of travellers” had left the car park by Sunday afternoon.