A united front

Bridges were built between police and the Ollerton public this week — on the football pitch.

A youth team from the Retford Road and Hallam Road estates took on a team from Nottinghamshire Police.

The match was part of a community action day by Newark and Sherwood Homes, which manages council properties.

The day also included a litter pick, and fun day including bouncy castle and face painting.

The divisional commander for Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, Chief Superintendent Dave Wakelin, said the event had brought people together.

“We can only police with the support of the public,” he said.

“Local policing is about engaging people and building trust and today, I hope, has helped to do that.

“It is about improving the relationship, bringing about the trust, breaking down barriers and bringing the police and the community closer together.

“People need to feel that they can come to the police with their problems.”

The local police commander, Inspector Andy Gan, said issues of arson and anti-social behaviour that had blighted the community were improving.

“The match has helped break down barriers in the local area still further,” he said.

Inspector Gan has ordered a week of action in the Sherwood area for next week, in which anti-social behaviour and speeding will be among the areas to be tackled.

The game was watched by nearly 200 people on the sports field between the Retford Road and Hallam Road estates.

Play was at times heated — both police goals were from penalties — but it ended in the spirit it was intended with a 2-2 draw.

Despite having a player sent off, the Ollerton side scored twice in the final two minutes.

Georgina Leonard, of Maid Marion Way, Ollerton, attended with her son, James, 3.

She said: “It has been a good day. The children have really got involved.

“Hopefully it will stop all the trouble.

“The problem is that the youngsters here have nothing to do, so when the problems happen they are big.”

Mrs Teresa Wood, of Stuart Avenue, Boughton, watched her son, Ricky Eadson, 17, play in the match.

She said: “Today has been good because it has brought the police and the community together. It is about time something was done.”

Her mother, Mrs Anne Cox, of Stepnall Heights, Boughton, said: “Things are on the up for the children. It is the older generation that is being left with nothing to do, with everything closing and being pulled down.”