Taking a stand

SHOWING pride in where you live and having the courage to stand up for common decency should not lead anyone to run the risk of being beaten up. Sadly, that’s just what happened to a plucky 75-year-old on a Newark street on Sunday.

The man took to task a lout he saw urinating in the street and was punched twice for his trouble.

He made a stand for what is right and proper and the reaction it drew was that of a coward.

The victim stood up for his town with commendable community spirit and his attacker showed complete contempt for it.

The very least the victim deserves is for the community to back him and his actions.

Anyone with information about who carried out this attack should not hesitate to tell the police what they know.

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It’s Bonfire Night on Saturday, and while it’s a great opportunity to get together with friends and family to have some fun, it’s also important to remember the potential dangers and distress posed by fire and fireworks.

People are encouraged to attend organised public displays, and there are plenty to choose from in this area.

Newark firefighters are getting in on the act this year, hosting an event at Sconce and Devon Park.

Station manager Glenn Mears said: “Firework safety is something our crews take very seriously, and our message is to take the family to an organised display instead of trying to light uncontrolled bonfires and fireworks at home and risk injury.”

Whatever you do on Saturday have fun but be sensible and, above all, be safe.