Nottingham pub welcomed evacuated residents during police ‘stand off’
Police were called to an incident just before 8am on Wednesday 5 April. They evacuated a number of homes and closed Cloister Street at the junction of Abbey Street to “ensure the safety of residents” as they dealt with the incident.
Measures were put in place by police and partners to look after the residents, including a rest centre at The Johnson Arms pub providing them with free tea and coffee.
Co-licensee of the pub, Zoe Head, told The Morning Advertiser that it all started with the pub offering its toilet facilities to the police.
“We then organised free teas, coffees, soft drinks, sandwich platters and an area of the pub for the residents to sit together,” she said.
“The council then gave us a ring and asked us if we could officially be a rest centre. We said 'Of course, that's what a pub is there for.'”
She added: “A pub’s basic function is to look after people and be open when most needed.”
Following the pub’s official designation as a rest centre, a post on its Facebook page said: “If you're a Cloister Street resident feel free to come in for free light refreshments, toilet facilities, a board game and a sit down whilst the rooftop standoff continues.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Holland said: “I would like to thank The Johnson Arms pub for their help and support.”
Two 16-year-olds have been charged in connection with a public disorder incident in Dunkirk. The pair, which cannot be named, have been charged with burglary and theft, affray and criminal damage amongst other offences. They were remanded in custody to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court today (Friday 7 April).
