Community Protection Officers and Police disperse party

Ashfield District Council Community Protection Officers (CPOs) supported Police in dispersing a party taking place close to Skegby Hall on Friday night.

Nottinghamshire Police shared reports of a large gathering with the Community Protection Officers on duty, taking place in the fields behind Skegby Hall.  On arrival at the site it became clear to the CPOs that Police support would be required. Around 70 people who had gathered in the woods were dispersed by the Police and Community Protection Officers, and a large amount of alcohol was confiscated from underage drinkers.

The Councils CPOs work closely with the Police to prevent anti-social behaviour in the District.

Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Protection said

“This is another example of where the Council and the Police have worked together to prevent anti-social behaviour. Unfortunately there are a number of people that think it is ok to flout lockdown rules. These gatherings not only create a noise nuisance, litter and damage, they are potentially putting people’s lives at risk. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour like this and will work with the police in a bid to identify those involved.”

Inspector Mark Dickson, responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Ashfield District, said:

“Police officers and PCSOs attended a gathering of young people in the Skegby Hall Gardens area at around 9pm on Friday evening and dispersed them shortly afterwards. No arrests were made or Fixed Penalty Notices issued.

“Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic we have adopted a consistent approach: to engage with people, explain the current regulations and encourage them to comply. Enforcement action is taken only as a last resort and was not necessary in this case. It is, however, important that people understand that we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action if people don’t comply with our instructions.

“We understand that last few months have been difficult for people but restrictions on large gatherings remain in place for a very good reason.

“We have also been made aware of several incidents of criminal damage to cars in the area and we are currently investigating these. This type of action is completely unacceptable and we will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice.”