Anti-social behaviour causing issues at Norwich Market

In that time stallholders have seen wars, plagues and famine. 

But now they are facing a new threat… city yobs.

A group of homeless people have set up tents in Memorial Gardens just above the market.

Stallholders say during the day they are joined by their friends and up to 30 people gather at the site – drinking, yelling and swearing.

A large group of people have started gathering in Memorial Gardens by Norwich Market, day drinking and causing a nuisance (Image: Newsquest)

They claim the anti-social behaviour is intimating and driving customers away.

Market workers are at the end of their tether and have called the council and the police to move the group on.

A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council said: "We became aware of the encampment on the memorial area, and we are working hard to find a long-term sustainable solution.

"We are working with our partners and the police to try and resolve this as quickly as possible."

THE STALLHOLDERS

The tents have been pitched for nearly a week (Image: Newsquest)

The stallholders have banded together to support each other as the yelling, swearing and yobbish behaviour continues. 

One stallholder, who was too frightened to be named, said: "I'm getting constant anti-social behaviour around my stall.

"They're based up in the Memorial Gardens - how can behaviour like this be justified? 

"It's downright disrespectful."

A spokeswoman for The Royal British Legion agreed with thie view when the charity heard about what was going on.

She said: "War memorials and graves honour the memory of every member of the Armed Forces who has made the ultimate sacrifice and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect."

The 'thugs' have taken over half of Memorial Gardens, which overlook the market (Image: Newsquest)

"I feel intimidated," said another stallholder. 

"I'm a woman working here by myself. 

"If I was a parent I would be keeping my children well away from here. 

"This lot is wild."

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However, stallholders are fearful that they are going to lose business, with the market relying heavily on income from tourists visiting the city.

Signs around the Memorial Gardens warn against drinking alcohol in the area (Image: Newsquest)

"We've had a good summer but one bad experience and people will never come back," said one stallholder.

"The Memorial Gardens are used by tourists and have some of the best views of the city.

"But we are scared to say anything to them or to have our names in the paper because we can't imagine what the consequences might be."

"Homelessness and anti-social behaviour are separate issues," said another.

"Neither one should be happening. 

"Our issue is with the anti-social behaviour and disrespect of camping and drinking on a war memorial.

"People are bringing them bottles of water and food because people in Norwich are kind but it is causing the issues to escalate."

"THE POLICE SHOULD BE TAKING ACTION"

Jamie Osborn, Green Party councillor for the Mancroft Ward, which includes Norwich Market and the Memorial Gardens, has condemned the ongoing behaviour. 

Jamie Osborn is a Green Party councillor for Mancroft ward (Image: Denise Bradley)

He said: "Norwich Market is a vital part of our city and theft directed at market traders is unacceptable from anyone.

"Where crimes have been committed the police should be investigating and taking action.

"At the same time, the city council needs to be making sure that people are supported into appropriate housing so that nobody is put at risk."

WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THE ISSUE?

A spokeswoman from Norfolk Police confirmed that the constabulary was aware of the ongoing issues at Memorial Gardens.

The force received a report at 11.30am on Tuesday, September 3 about antisocial behaviour and drinking in the Memorial Gardens area of Norwich Market.

She added: "Officers are currently making enquiries and police are working with partners including Norwich City Council."

A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council responded similarly: "We became aware of the encampment on the memorial area, and we are working hard to find a long-term sustainable solution.

"We are working with our partners and the police to try and resolve this as quickly as possible."