Gangs rule the town, they don't respect authorities ...now our businesses are reaching breaking point'

SHOPKEEPERS CALL FOR CHANGE AFTER STRING OF INCIDENTS

- By SOPHIE FAGONE BUSCIMESE

SHOPKEEPERS in a Derbyshire town have decided “enough is enough” and are calling for change after being subject to increasing amounts of worrying incidents with troublemakers.

Barnaby Nockolds, who owns the shop Barn Dawg in the centre of Long Eaton, has spoken out after an incident left him worrying for his safety, as well as the safety of his customers.

On Monday, he was inside the store with a customer when he noticed someone shaking a banner he had put outside.

He said: “I couldn’t see who it was, so I thought it was maybe a teenager in passing. I stuck my head out and politely asked the person to stop, but then I recognised the guy from previous negative encounters.”

Mr Nockolds said the man grew increasingly aggravated as he was asked to stop, shouting abuse at the shopkeeper.

The commotion then attracted five of his friends, who ganged up on Mr Nockolds and threatened him, leading him to lock himself and his customer inside the store.

“Both me and the customer were terrified and worried for our safety. It was really, really scary,” he said.