Doncaster Market yobs crackdown call

Traders at Doncaster Market are demanding action to tackle anti-social behaviour which they say is driving customers and stallholders away.
Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan DavisDoncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan Davis
Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan Davis

The traders say they have been inundated with problems from drug users and drunks who frequent the market every day.

Stallholder Colin Wilson said: “We get problems with druggies hanging around causing problems and people begging – one trader had a knife pulled on him by a customer. People are getting fed up and something needs to be done.”

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Doncaster Market Traders’ Federation official Nigel Berry said: “We’ve had problems with druggies and drunks for the last 10 years but it seems to have been getting worse over the last six months.

“It’s difficult to attract new traders when we have problems with beggars, drunks and druggies hanging around.”

Increased police patrols and mobile CCTV operations have been taking place in a bid to tackle the issue.

The calls come after it was revealed one in three stalls on Doncaster Market are standing empty.

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However, despite the complaints, Ryan Davis of KDDavis & Sons Greengrocers said there had been some improvement.

He said: “I would like to think we are in a better place now – the mayor has helped by increasing police and community support officers in the town centre.

“We also have a number of the neighbourhood responsive team around the markets area with their mobile CCTV, the feedback from customers has been very good, customers are feeling safe and atmosphere is great once again.”

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “We are developing plans for the area and we are also working closely with the police and partners to take immediate action, including tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting existing traders and encouraging new businesses to set up.

“As these plans are developed and finalised we will share further information.”