Town traders plead for help over teen trouble-makers

Business owners in part of Nottinghamshire have called for more action from police over gangs of teenagers engaging in nuisance behaviour.

A 12-hour dispersal order was put in place for Beeston town centre on Tuesday following reports of violence, public order offences and robbery. Orders will again be used this weekend.

Neil Walton, who runs gift and jewellery shop Iguazu Fair Trade, said he was assaulted when a group climbed on to his roof and officers then refused to arrest anyone after taking 40 minutes to arrive.

Nottinghamshire Police said the dispersal order had led to a "very significant reduction in ASB [anti-social behaviour] reports" but has not yet responded to specific criticisms.

Walton told the BBC he was working late inside his shop on Monday when the trouble "came out of nowhere".

"There was about 30 to 40 kids at about 6 o'clock who were being dispersed from the park, they split into two or three groups and one group came here," he said.

"For the fourth night in a row they climbed on to the roof and were larking about, so I went round the back and confronted them.

"That's when they circled me, tried to knock the phone out of my hand because I was on the phone to the police and taking their photo.

"One of the kids came from behind and kicked me in the legs.

"Life is difficult enough for retailers as it is and we are just trying to get on with all the things have have got to do."

Despite the attack, Walton said it took 40 minutes for officers to arrive and he was disappointed by their response.

"So far the help from police has been very limited," he said.

"[On the night] I told the police the people they were stood next to were the ones who assaulted me and I wanted to press charges.

"And they wouldn't do anything, so I felt extremely let down."

He speculated that a recent crackdown in the city centre had lead to gangs taking trams into the suburbs.

And while he welcomed the dispersal order, he felt it was not the solution.

"[The dispersal order] was enough for one day but what about today?" he said.

"While it's raining it will probably change things but we need a better plan.

"We need the police here a lot while we work out what the problem is."

Adam Damar, owner, of Cafe 94, said teenagers had also been on his roof and he had seen them blocking the road outside.

"It is affecting our business," he said.

"A few weeks ago there was a customer outside waiting for breakfast and two teenagers tried to steal his bag.

"They damaged the table and scared the other customers and when this kind of thing happens, the customers don't want to come.

"We'd like to see more police and if there is a problem, there is someone who will come to the door and say something to us, not just send messages," he said.

In relation to the dispersal order, Nottinghamshire Police condemned the "disgraceful behaviour" of those involved in disorder and said "they would be held to account".

The force has not yet responded to the shopkeepers' calls for more assertive action and more visible patrols.

Further 12-hour dispersal orders will be in place in Beeston town centre from 12:00 BST until 00:00 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.