Gate glued shut in Dinnington Market as concerns raised over antisocial behaviour
“It’s a lovely little town, we’ve got independent businesses, we’ve got a regeneration that’s eventually going to come, but it’s just hell”
Traders were locked out of Dinnington Market after superglue was forced into the locks.
Traders arrived to set up stalls early on Friday morning to find that glue had been forced into the locks on the main gate of the market.
They were forced to delay setting up for the market and instead call the council to come and sort the problem before opening.
The lock was eventually opened and repaired, but local businesses fear that this is just part of a wider pattern of antisocial behaviour which is sweeping the town.
Julia Hall, a town councillor and local business owner, said: “Half of you thinks there's no hope but then we’ve got to fight for our village.
“It’s a lovely little town, we’ve got independent businesses, we’ve got a regeneration that’s eventually going to come, but it’s just hell,” she added.
It is alleged that groups of local children who have been causing disruption to the high street were responsible for the incident, which reportedly follows similar stunts carried out in the incident.
The gate sits on the passage that connects the market to the high street, which is a major thoroughfare for business.
The groups have reportedly been seen throwing bottles at vehicles, setting fires and have even harassed traders.
Nigel Tatton, owner of the market, said: “The kids run amok and they just laugh at the police.
“We’ve got a lot of markets and we don’t have any of this aggravation elsewhere.”
Nigel has owned the market for 37 years, but is soon to be handing over ownership and is glad to be rid of the problems of antisocial behaviour.
He said: “Unfortunately we’re leaving, and good riddance.”