People living near one of Bedford’s best south of the river amenities say it’s been turned into the Wild West.
Residents on estates near Jubilee Park say gangs of youths have taken it over and local people are wary of using it. They are urging the police to do something that will allow them to use the green space again.
The latest incident of several this year happened on the evening of Tuesday, May 3, 2022, when a young mother walking her three daughters was assaulted by the ringleader of a group of twelve youths.
She had remonstrated with the group when she feared they were up to no good and was promptly given two black eyes and a night in A & E at Bedford Hospital. Her assailant ran from the scene when the police were called.
“It’s a disgrace”, said one neighbour, “This is a beautiful place for local people, yet these youths have turned it into the Wild West and the police seem powerless to do anything. It’s got to stop before something serious happens and someone is badly injured or even maimed.”
Word of the incident quickly spread and the perpetrators’ father apologised to the victim, as did senior staff at nearby Bedford Academy; which some of the group attend.
Parents were also sent a letter reminding them of their responsibilities.
Mayor Dave Hodgson, who lives in the Kingsbrook Ward was contacted and made aware of the situation. A spokesperson for his office said: “We are aware of a problem, and are liaising with the police.”
“About time too!” said another irate neighbour who, like the victim, has received a torrent of abuse face to face and on social media.
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