The problems of anti social behaviour in Whaley Thorns are being tackled head on after increased reports of young people causing a nuisance and drinking alcohol.

A small number of individuals had been identified as the main culprits and as a result an arrest of one the main ring leaders has been made and released with strict bail conditions. Four others of the group have been issued with Stop Encounter Forms and two more are due to be served with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) following direct interviews.

Increased patrols of the area by both the Police and Bolsover District Councils Community Action Network (CAN) Rangers have also commenced and this has led to a significant drop in problems in the area with no reported incidents for a number of weeks.

Bolsover District Councils Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Brian Murray-Carr said, “We know there have been a lot of problems in the village and we now hope that with the arrest and measures we have put in place these problems will now stop. We understand people’s frustrations and anger at some of the problems, but we do deal with reported problems quickly and work very closely with a whole host of agencies to try and tackle youth problems but this can often be a lengthy process before any real results are seen.”

Bolsover District Council and the Police have also made numerous approaches to the owners of the Surgery building, requesting that they look into a range of measures which would help sort out the problem of security at this location.

Councillor Murray-Carr also responded to suggestions that not having an Alcohol Control Zone in and around Hillstown has encouraged youngsters to drink in the area. “Establishing an Alcohol Control Zone is not as simple as it sounds and it’s not always the best way to deal with the problems. These Zones need to be regularly policed to be effective and this often takes away the resources from other areas that can be much more beneficial.

“We always look to solve problems as easily and as quickly as possible, which sometimes is difficult to do. But with the help of the local community reporting any incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime, then we can continue to make Bolsover district a safe place.”

For further information please telephone 01246 242424 or email enquiries@bolsover.gov.uk