Police are continuing to patrol in Oakham, and two arrests have been made
It's after there were complaints over an event at Rutland Showground
Leicestershire Police have confirmed two arrests have been made - after reports of antisocial behaviour in relation to an event at Rutland Showground.
Superintendent Jonny Starbuck said: "Our presence continues in Oakham and at the Light and Life event at Rutland Show Ground. We have additional resources from the wider force to assist in dealing with issues that have been reported including an increase in anti-social behaviour, some criminal offences and driving offences.
"This is an outdoor event which is legal. We have been working with the event organisers and partners to ensure that Covid rules are followed.
"Local officers continue to patrol on the ground and to engage with local business owners and licensed premises.
"We are investigating a number of offences including attempted robbery and anti-social behaviour. Two arrests have been made so far.
"Residents in the area continue to report anti-social behaviour which we are responding to. We are working closely with our partners, with the organiser and with participants at the event to ensure that people can go about their usual business with the least disruption. Where offences are committed, we will deal with them effectively and robustly.
"Our enhanced visible presence throughout the day, both around the site and in the town itself, is there to enhance reassurance to our local communities whilst also supporting a swift response where needed"
Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has also shared her concerns:
And Rutland County Council provided a statement - Councillor Oliver Hemsley says:
"It has been a challenging weekend for many of the county’s residents and businesses, and I would like to thank all residents for your support and patience.
Rutland County Council was not made aware of this event as no event application was submitted in advance.
Our standard event procedures require for event organisers to submit an event application and risk statements, which enable partners to review to ensure all aspects of an event – from health and safety, including compliance with Covid-19 regulations through to traffic management – are compliant. Unfortunately, without prior notification, the Council and its partners were unable to do this.
We have been working closely with partners, especially the Police, to manage and respond to the immediate issues arising from this event, including putting in place increased patrols across our community"
Councillor Hemsley continues: "Officers will be undertaking traffic management at key times, including school drop off and pick up, and will also be located at areas that are attracting increased numbers.
Plans are underway to ensure minimal disruption to the community at key points in the event, for example the event closing.
There is ongoing communication with the event organiser. We have reviewed their event procedures and documentation and will be making relevant recommendations to improve the running of this event to protect attendees and the wider community.
Additionally, we are looking to increase the numbers and presence of our Covid-19 Marshals in our towns, offering PPE to the event organisers to distribute amongst participants and providing PPE to key shops.
I truly understand the concern that the events of this weekend have brought to the county and want to assure you that the Council and its partners are doing all we can to protect you"