Leicestershire Police have stepped up their presence around Rutland County Showground as both local businesses and Rutland’s MP, Alicia Kearns, respond to criminal and anti-social behaviour witnessed there in recent days.
There is increased police presence in Oakham and at the Rutland County Showground today as the Life and Light Festival continues. Police say that they have been working with event organisers and partners to ensure that Covid rules are followed at the Showground and have also been talking with local business owners. Many pubs in Oakham and even the 24hr McDonalds are closing early this week as a precaution following reports of anti-social behaviour and attempted robbery.
The Christian festival, which was given the go ahead by the Rutland Agricultural Society and the police, has caused 'significant disturbance and problems' to local residents over the weekend. The Society has stressed that the incidents were due to a minority of festival attendees and that its priority is to help maintain public order and to allow the festival to re-focus on its worship as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile Rutland’s MP, Alicia Kearns, has met with the police, Rutland County Council and the Home Office to discuss the situation and has praised the police for their response:
“I have just had a really productive meeting with our police in Rutland about the issues around the Showground.” Alicia told Rutland and Stamford Sound. “We have seen a significant reduction in incidents being reported and a real increase in policing and I am very confident and grateful the police are doing the right thing. I will keep making sure that the focus is on protecting residents.” Alicia also urged residents to report any crimes that they see in order for the police to respond effectively and that reports are being taken very seriously.
The Festival of Life and Light will run until the 25th June.
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