Council issues statement after 'foul language' and 'thuggish behaviour' plagues north Derbyshire park

Officers revealed at the weekend they had responded to reports of 'foul language and thuggish behaviour' in Allendale Park at Wingerworth.

Wingerworth and Rural Police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers say they took action by seizing booze and escorting one youth, who refused to give his details, home to his parents.

Now Wingerworth Parish Council, which is responsible for the popular green space, has urged residents to report any further issues.

Coun Eric Gilson, chair of the council, said: “We are aware of some of the issues reported by residents in and around Wingerworth and we encourage members of the public to continue to report these to the police.

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"We would like to thank our local police teams for responding to incidents promptly and increasing patrols in the village.

“The parish council is keen to work collaboratively with other authorities and to engage with the young people in our village to look at ways to reduce some of the behaviours that are currently causing concern.

“Council employees, members of the council and the public have increased litter picking on our local parks and we are installing additional recycling bins on all three council maintained parks in the village.

"We are also launching a litter campaign in the near future.

“If you have any issues or suggestions you wish to raise with the parish council, you can contact the clerk via our website.”

Officers from the SNT said they hoped the majority of people in Wingerworth would understand the need for the latest measures.

A spokesperson said: “We have been responding to the people of Wingerworth who are fed up of youths that want to ruin the image of Allendale Park and ponds for the people who take their children to the play area and others that want a peaceful walk around the ponds, that do not want to be subjected to foul language and thuggish behaviour.

“We will interact and identify anyone that fails to act responsibly.

“We would suggest that parents liaise with their offspring and remind them that we are still in the grip of a pandemic and we all need to act responsibly.”

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