Boy racers cause problems at Cortonwood

Around 300 cars were parked at Cortonwood Retail Park on Sunday evening, according to one eye-witness.

The area is a well-known hotspot for drivers with modified cars to meet and the latest gathering comes just three months after an incident in July where drivers were racing along the dual carriageway.

The frustrated resident said: “It was about the same number as last time.

“The difference was the police were there quite early and the landlord had all the gates locked so they all went into Morrisons car park instead.

“A lot of residents said it was noisy with people revving their engines and it was annoying them.”

The man claimed that on most nights there could be up to 20 cars meeting at the site and every few months there would be a larger gathering.

Borough councillor David Roche said the problem was getting worse.

“I think we felt like we were getting somewhere, but recently we feel like it’s getting worse, so we are making a concerted effort to remind owners and shops to do something about this,” he said.

“We have asked Morrisons to put a gate on but they haven’t yet.”

PC Michael Plant who led police of the meet-up, said: “On Sunday evening (8 October), officers worked to monitor, oversee and prevent anti-social behaviour issues at a pre-planned car event at Cortonwood. 

“They were able to effectively manage and engage with members of the public at the event and took action to recover a car and issue section 59 warning notices to anyone demonstrating antisocial behaviour.

“This proactive work allowed officers to prevent minimal disruption from being caused to the community and I hope this illustrates our commitment to keeping members of the public safe. 

“We will now continue to work with our partners at Rotherham Borough Council to prevent issues these events may cause." 

To report any concerns please, call the police on 101 or, in an emergency, on 999.