Swadlincote Police focusing attention on area's parks over the holiday weekend

Swadlincote Police say they will be making the area's parks priority over the holiday weekend - with patrols late into the evenings.

While noting good behaviour and people sticking to Covid regulations, officers say there have been some problems over the past week.

The town's Safer Neighhourhood Team say they helped a group of youngster clean up mess made by others in Newhall Park so that the skate park could be used.

But they said one man had to be arrested in Dunsmore Park following anti-social behaviour.

The SNT's Facebook page explained: "Officers came across a lovely group of youths on Newhall Park who were cleaning the mess left by the older youths overnight - eg, broken glass bottles, food wrappings.

"Two of the group, Reece and Lucian, explained how a small minority of older youths make mess on the park, ruining it for everyone else to enjoy.

"On hearing this, officers decided to help the group clean up the skate park for them to play.

"The parks will be the SNT priority over the holidays and will be patrolled late into the evenings."

But the post added: "SNT Officers attended Dunsmore Park after reports of fighting and anti-social behaviour around 1630hrs.

"On arrival, the park had lots of people using the facilities, mostly children around 16/17, playing responsibly.

"One male was being particularly vocal towards officers and members of the public and was subsequently arrested for assault and public order.

"Anti-social and threatening behaviour won't be tolerated and positive action will be taken. The enquiries into these offences are still ongoing."