MATLOCK: Readers call for park clampdown

Complaints were sparked after allegations of two men acting inappropriately in Hall Leys were posted on Facebook.

Neither men – who were both arrested for being drunk and disorderly – were charged with any inappropriate sexual behaviour.

But the post sparked a raft of complaints about yobs and louts in the area and calls for increased police patrols and a complete booze ban.

Sarah Handzel, of Matlock, said: “There seems to be an awful lot of bad stuff happening in the park lately and I don’t feel 100 per cent safe taking my child down there anymore.

“I have lived here all my life and Matlock’s reputation has plummeted from how it used to be.”

Melissa Dawson said: “My daughters love the park but I don’t want them playing on their scooters at the skate ramp whilst drunks are sat with a bottle of vodka at the top on a Sunday afternoon.”

Lisa Mctighe said: “The park is not safe for my son and his friends unless an adult is present. This is very sad.”

But police and the district council, which runs the park, point out that reported crime in the park has actually fallen and that it is a key asset for tourism and trade in the town.

To see some of the Facebook and Twitter comments click here

To see statements from Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire Dales District Council click here

To read Mercury Editor Phil Bramley’s opinion piece on Hall Leys Park click here