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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Peter Hennessy

Concern over group of young people intimidating elderly and targeting shops in Bingham

Shop owners in Bingham say a group of more than 20 youths are gathering at night and causing trouble in the town.

Police have now increased patrols in Bingham, especially around the Market Place area, after numerous reports of anti-social behaviour.

The group has reportedly thrown eggs at a charity shop window and intimidated an elderly man in recent weeks and residents and businesses have told Nottinghamshire Live it needs to stop.

Elena Georgiou, who runs Eaton Place Fish Bar, said: "There was a couple of boys that approached my 69-year-old dad, started to bang on the window and try to intimidate him.

"I called him and told him to go inside and called the police - I just saw red.

"We see a big group of them every night, all lads between 14 and 19 I'd say, and there are around 23 of them.

Elena Georgiou- owner of Eaton Place Fish Bar (Nottingham Post/Marie Wilson)

"The other night there was a lovely couple walking their dog and one of them was riding his bike deliberately fast making out as if he was going to go into them.

"I have been here for more than 30 years and the youngsters seemed to have a lot more respect for people back then. Everyone wants to just get on with our lives, it's hard enough as it is."

The group even 'egged' the windows of the Dog's Trust charity, which is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kristina Linnell, 48, who owns the shop, told Nottinghamshire Live: "It was around two or three weeks ago.

"It's closed at the moment, so it's an easy target for them I suppose.

"I think police upping the patrols is a good thing, definitely - hopefully it will stop it happening again."

Isabel Shouler, 42, who runs Iris Blue in Eaton Place, added: "It happens more in the evenings.

Iris Blue shop owner Isabel Shouler (Nottingham Post/Marie Wilson)

"They have been banging on my shutters and they smashed the plastic on my sign, but it's not as bad as Elena has had it next door.

"Bingham is generally a lovely place - it's a minority. The problem is we no longer have a local police station, the closest is West Bridgford - we feel a bit cut off here. We don't see many patrols, usually - we don't know the names of our community officers.

"The people involved just need to be better. It's why we close this shop at 5.30pm."

The Rushcliffe South Team at Nottinghamshire Police completed an operation last weekend in the area and they will continue with their proactive patrols at the end of the month.

They are urging local residents to call the police if they see any unacceptable behaviour.

Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Berry said: "Local residents have made us aware of their concerns in this area and we are currently working in partnership with the local council to tackle these issues head-on.

"There have been a handful of anti-social behaviour reports in recent weeks and we continue to work closely with the local authority in tackling the issue.

"We have upped patrols in the town centre around the Market Place following local youths congregating in the evenings.

“We will continue to listen to local residents and stakeholders and respond to anti-social behaviour issues positively using our engage, explain and encourage approach.

"Where this fails police will take enforcement action utilising appropriate powers anti-social behaviour powers that could result in arrest and prosecution.

Bingham Market Place and the Buttercross (Nottingham Post/Marie Wilson)

"Hopefully these measures, along with the actions from Rushcliffe Borough Council, will further deter this kind of activity from taking place."

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, Rob Inglis, added: “We’re reassuring residents that we’re working with Nottinghamshire Police to address any issues and ensuring our High Street ambassadors are patrolling and acting as our further eyes and ears in the area.

“To report anti-social behaviour call 101, or in an emergency dial 999.”

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