‘Regeneration of this area gives us a real opportunity’

Anti-social behaviour has been blighting businesses in Dinnington - and demands to do something about it are getting a response.

Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police say they are stepping up to tackle the issue which is impacting on businesses such as those on the market and residents.

placeholder image — Dinnington | Rotherham Advertiser

The hotspot areas are Laughton Road, Church Lane, Manor Road, Lordens Hill and Park House Lane.

Recently, as reported in the Advertiser, traders were locked out of Dinnington Market after glue was forced into the locks.

Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police say they are stepping up to tackle the issue which is impacting on businesses, including the market.

A £13.3 million redevelopment plan for Dinnington High Street and Market aims to boost the community.

Rother Valley MP Jake Richards has talked about tearaways “as young as 10” throwing bricks at cars and "causing all sorts of havoc" in the town.

The Advertiser has been told about the community being plagued by kids on scooters, fires set in empty buildings and behind hoardings, and general abuse.

Former Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford shows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak around Dinnington in 2023 | Iconic

The authorities accept that there is a long-running issue of bad behaviour but say they are dealing with it.

Cllr Amanda Clarke, Labour member for Dinnington Ward, said: “I understand residents’ frustrations regarding anti-social behaviour around the market area and concerns about the appearance of the site ahead of demolition.

“The condition of the Market Hall and surrounding buildings has undoubtedly contributed to some of the issues we are seeing.

“I therefore welcome the demolition of both the Market Hall and the former Dinnington Colliery Band building in the forthcoming weeks.

“This marks a significant milestone in Dinnington's regeneration and an important step towards bringing new investment and opportunities into the town centre.

“As ward councillors, we have helped establish an Anti-Social Behaviour Steering Group, bringing together partners to tackle local concerns.

“Alongside enforcement, we have focused on creating positive opportunities for young people through organisations such as DC Boxing, Dinnington Football Club, Dinnington Rugby Club, Dinnington Cadets, the Jade Centre in Dinnington, Dinnington Inclusivity Football Team and Dinnington Library and our churches, all of which provide valuable activities, support and safe spaces.

“However, we know more must be done. Listening to young people is essential, and through the Steering Group we will be holding engagement sessions with informal chat and food to better understand the activities and opportunities they want to see in Dinnington.

“We also recognise the impact anti-social behaviour has on residents. My ward colleagues [Cllrs Sophie Castledine-Dack and Julia Hall] have arranged a public meeting with the Deputy Mayor of South Yorkshire to discuss policing and community safety, and I will continue working with partners to address ongoing issues, including the anti-social use of motorcycles, e-bikes and off-road bikes attending a seminar held with the Deputy Mayor on November 27.

“As a ward councillor, I will always listen to residents, support them where I can and raise concerns on their behalf. The regeneration of this area gives us a real opportunity to improve Dinnington, and by working together with residents, community groups and partner organisations, I am confident we can create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.

Rotherham Council is also striving to tackle the anti-social behaviour issue.

Andrew Bramidge, executive director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: “The kind of anti-social behaviour that has occurred around Dinnington Markets is completely unacceptable.

“We understand the impact it has on local traders, residents and the wider community, and we are determined to work with our partners to address it.

“The council and its partners have a plan in place to tackle a range of issues in the area.

"Working closely with South Yorkshire Police, operations have been carried out to engage with young people and help prevent further incidents.

“Enforcement activity has been undertaken by South Yorkshire Police, with some cases currently awaiting court hearings.

“The council’s Community Protection team has also taken enforcement action, including serving notices and carrying out out-of-hours visits to Laughton Road.

“Our Street Safe team continues to carry out regular evening patrols, working with residents and businesses to provide a visible presence and deter unacceptable behaviour.

“Where empty properties are found to be insecure, the council will work with owners and take enforcement action where necessary to improve security and help reduce the risk of vandalism and fire.

“The council’s business support advisor is also supporting local traders to develop initiatives and preventative measures that help improve the high street.

“We would also urge parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing. Families have an important role to play in helping keep young people safe and ensuring they behave responsibly within the community.

“Keeping our communities safe depends on close partnership working between the council, South Yorkshire Police, residents and businesses.

“Criminal behaviour should always be reported to the police, and anyone in immediate danger should call 999.”

And South Yorkshire Police say they are clamping down on the rowdies and criminals.

Neighbourhoods Inspector Darren Birley said: “We are aware of the ongoing issues involving anti-social behaviour across Dinnington. We know they cause concern to the local communities and those who are working in the area.

“We have developed a dedicated problem-oriented policing plan which sees us working closely with the council and facilitating specific operations which target these problems.

“Enforcement action is regularly undertaken in the form of acceptable behaviour contracts, out of court resolutions and, where appropriate, formal prosecutions.

“We also work closely with the Street Safe team at Rotherham Council, who regularly deploy staff and the CCTV camera to deter behaviour and gather evidence.

“We are currently working with the council’s newly employed business support advisor to look at where we can further support local traders and what further preventative measures can be introduced. As well as having upcoming planned operations with Trading Standards over the next few weeks, to look at local shops selling alcohol and fireworks to children.

“In addition, we also utilise the force’s Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team regularly into Dinnington, to deter anti-social vehicle use, specifically around the use of off-road bikes.

“As well as enforcement activity, we are working with partners to engage with local youths, divert away from this behaviour and, where appropriate, prosecute unacceptable behaviour.”