POLICE have praised the majority of people who went out to pubs and bars across Bromsgrove last night after they reopened their doors following the latest lockdown restrictions easing.
Insp Lee Page said there was a fabulous atmosphere with the bars back in business and most locals enjoying a sensible evening catching up with family and friends.
Earlier in the evening the officer was out in the town centre with the chairman of Bromsgrove District Council’s Licensing Committee, Coun Helen Jones, representatives from Worcestershire Regulatory Services, council leader Coun Karen May and DCI Jo Woods who were carrying out licensing checks.
The group also made sure the premises had all the necessary social distancing and other safety measures in place.
Insp Page said: “It was clear the hospitality businesses had gone to great lengths to ensure they could operate safely and it was great to see the majority of people enjoying themselves sensibly, following social distancing guidelines.”
But said there was some disorder at Ye Olde Black Cross around 10.20pm where two people suffered minor injuries.
Police enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Elsewhere in the district, fighting broke out around midnight on Austin Road, Charford, which the police received several calls about.
It was stated a knife was seen and reports on social media have surfaced claiming someone was stabbed but police have denied that was the case.
Insp Page added: “The group dispersed on officers’ arrival.
“No complaints were made and there were no reports of anyone being injured.
!We will have officers conducting high visibility patrols in the area today.”
He urged anyone with any information on the incident to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
And he said: “I would also encourage anyone with concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in Charford to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team who are in the area on a daily basis.
“Contact details can be found on the West Mercia Police website and the team are on Twitter @BromsgroveCops.”
