Shirebrook residents protest at a Town Council meeting over recent spate of violence and anti-social behaviour

Former town councillor David Anthony said the protestors travelled to the Town Hall to confront councillors they feel are not listening to people’s fears after two alleged stabbing incidents in two weeks.

Residents are also concerned about what they see as a lack of police action over a clash of cultures - gangs of men drinking in the town centre leaving women and pensioners feeling intimidated.

There were angry scenes as protestors called for councillors to resign and announced they were forming an independent residents committee in the town.

Earlier this week David Anthony said he had called for an emergency meeting with councillors and the police, but he says the Town Councillors would not agree to it

He told Chad: “It was crazy last night. Because people weren’t listening we went to the council offices to let them know how we felt.

“About 50 people went into the official council meeting and they ended up adjourning it.”

A second meeting with councillors was held at Shirebrook Village Hall to accommodate the extra numbers later in the evening.

Mr Anthony said: ”Residents are forming a committee because they have lost confidence in the council.

“We are sending petitions out tomorrow and the will be a peaceful protest at Shirebrook Market on Saturday at 2pm.

He said a further meeting has been arranged at Shirebrook Welfare on 3rd July for councillors to attend and answer residents’ concerns.

More when we have it.