Sponsored by
Café is under 'constant attack' from youngsters
Café is under 'constant attack' from youngsters
A GAINSBOROUGH caf has hit out at youths, thieves and vandals after a spate of problems in the last few years, and the failure of necessary action to be taken by the police.
Caf 54 on Bridge Street is an idyllic riverside caf that has been at the mercy of vandals and troublesome youths, and is currently partially boarded up after an attempted break-in last Thurday (29th July) and vandalism over the weekend to prevent further damage.
Manager Louise Rodgers said they have been losing business as a result.
"It looks horrible, we've lost so much trade," she said.
"People think we have shut down because we're boarded up."
The caf is a hotspot along the river for dining and having a relaxing coffee, but Louise said that local gangs of teenagers are ruining things by way of vandalism and constantly abusive behaviour.
"The Captain from The Gainsborough Standard called us a ‘riverside delight,' but there's nothing delightful about the whole place being boarded up."
She continued: "We've constantly had problems with youths for the last two years, there's been so much vandalism and abuse from them."
"We've had outside furniture and cups thrown in the river, and we even had a few of them drinking vodka outside and urinating up the walls - and that was on a busy Saturday afternoon."
She continued: "The CCTV hasn't been working for the last two years, the police and council keep saying it will be up and running in two months, but nothing has been done."
"I'm sick of being fobbed off."
Louise says that police have not been very helpful in preventing further attacks, and that she has found them understaffed and often late to respond.
She added: "I just want support and the council and police aren't doing enough.
Gainsborough Police Inspector Michelle McIlroy said: "We have stepped up our patrols in the area and all of our officers are aware of the issues there."
"Although there may have been two or three officers patrolling in neighbourhood response cars, the sector as a whole would have had six or seven available if needed."
"We have adequate officer numbers to police the area effectively."
Louise Rodgers outside Cafe 54 on Bridge Street
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Gainsborough
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
