Low-key start to order

An order that gave police the power to seize alcohol from troublemakers in Newark Castle grounds came into force on August 18 but was not enforced because the district council failed to inform the police.

When the Advertiser asked police how enforcement of the order was progressing sources revealed there had been a breakdown in communication and that Newark and Sherwood District Council had failed to alert them that it had been activated.

The town-centre beat officer and his team did not know that for three weeks they had had the power to seize alcohol from anyone seen drinking irresponsibly in the castle grounds.

A police source said: “Everyone acknowledges this is a problem that urgently needs to be addressed, but how could we police it if we had no idea the order had come into force?”

The council refused to confirm or deny whether it had failed to notify the police.

It released a statement, agreed with senior police officers, that said: “The legal order to stop drinking in Castle Gardens is in place and the drinking of alcohol in the park is now banned.

“The council and the police have worked together to secure the order and get it in place to help resolve problems with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town’s popular park.

“Most importantly, this order should help people feel safe while they are enjoying their time in the park.”

The castle grounds are now covered by a designated public place order, which means alcohol can be confiscated.

The move was part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour at the castle that included graffiti being sprayed on its walls and youths scaling the walls and running along the battlements.

Empty cans and bottles were found in the castle grounds, particularly at weekends.

In response to the problems the council introduced early closure of the grounds, with gates being locked at 7pm each night.

New security grilles were installed to stop youths climbing the walls, security cameras were set up and security patrols increased.

The application for the designated public place order was accepted by the chairman of the council’s general purposes and licensing committee on July 3 as an urgent agenda item.

The committee was unanimous in agreeing the order and, after consultation, it came into force on August 18.