Doncaster pub which was shut down by police after violent incident is opened again

We took the unusual step of closing down a pub in Mexborough on September 14, writes Insp Ady Luscombe.
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Recent reports from the community had given us cause for concern over how the Pocket Corner pub, on Bank Street, was being managed.

Concerns had been raised around anti-social behaviour and a lack of social distancing, but also more significant incidents. In particular, there was a serious assault outside the pub on September 12.

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We were concerned about further similar incidents if we did not act.

The Pocket Sports Bar, Bank Street, Mexborough. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP-29-09-20 Pocket 6-NMSYThe Pocket Sports Bar, Bank Street, Mexborough. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP-29-09-20 Pocket 6-NMSY
The Pocket Sports Bar, Bank Street, Mexborough. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP-29-09-20 Pocket 6-NMSY

We used police powers to close it for 48 hours before a court hearing at which it was agreed it would remain closed whilst we worked with the owners and council on an action plan to raise it to the necessary standard to re-open.

Having met the requirements set, the pub was allowed to re-open on October 2, with a host of measures in place to ensure it is a safer establishment for the community to enjoy. We will continue to monitor this pub along with others in the area.

We have also seen a lot of action against drugs recently.

On September 24 a man possessing class A drugs was arrested after he was stopped and searched on Wath Road, Mexborough.

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Amphetamine, cash and CS spray were found in a raid on St Mary’s Road, Edlington, on September 14. A woman was arrested.

Two houses on Riviera Road, Bentley were raided on September 19. Cannabis plants were seized and a man arrested; and we found cannabis cultivation at a house on West End Avenue that had been left unsecured.

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Drugs raids also found drugs cultivation at Marson Avenue, Woodlands (September 8), Cheriton Avenue, Adwick (September 7), Barrowdale Close, Carcroft (September 15), and South Street, Highfields (September 18).

We had some success dealing with antisocial behaviour in Edlington. We identified three local youths who had been breaking into empty houses and causing damage. Rather than them entering the criminal justice system, they will be dealt with through restorative justice, hopefully instilling pride in their area.

Finally, we have recently seen a number of burglaries in Adwick, Roman Ridge and Bentley. We have put in place extra patrols, but residents should make sure doors and windows are locked.