Council aims to prevent troublemakers ‘hiding in shadows’ near square

MOVE FOLLOWS SEVERAL HIGH-PROFILE INCIDENTS

- By JOE LOCKER Local democracy reporter

THERE are further plans to stamp out troublemakers “hiding in the shadows” around a city-centre landmark after an incident involving machetes.

Concerns have been voiced over antisocial behaviour outside the Council House in Old Market Square, particularly after a high-profile incident during which two groups of youths confronted one another near the Winter Wonderland market.

Nottinghamshire Police and the council ramped up patrols in the area following the incident on November 16.

Seven people were arrested and bailed under conditions preventing them from entering the city centre or wearing face coverings, the force said.

A group of urban explorers also targeted the Council House, where they posted social media videos from the roof and appeared to be taunting police.

Now the Labour-run authority says it is planning further measures around the Council House - including potentially gating off certain areas - to make it more difficult for troublemakers to hide in the shadows.