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Seven Alnwick men were charged with causing unnecessary obstruction of the public footpath by standing thereon, in Fenkle Street, Alnwick, on 13th January, namely Peter Drummomd, Stamp's Yard; Thomas Anderson, Union Court; Thomas Hines, Stamp's Yard ; James Elliot, 4 Spour’s Yard ; William Curry, Union Court; Peter Drummond, 21 Green Batt ; William Wood, Spoars Yard. Sergt. Robson said that at 2:30 p.m. he was on duty in Clayport Street, when he saw seven men standing at the junction of Clayport Street and Fenkle Street, against the window of a confectioner’s shop. Four of the men were leaning against the shop window. They were occupying the whole of the pavement at that point. He waited for five minutes and several foot passengers had to cross from the pavement on to the side to get past. Peter Drummond, continued the Sergeant, said: Some day you will have io pay for this Supt. Spratt: Is this a habitual place of rest for the unemployed" Sergt. Robson: Yes, and there are frequent complaints from business people who cannot get their windows dressed. It is very dangerous for pedestrians. All these men have been frequently cautioned. Supt. Spratt: They do not stand there if they see a policeman, Alnwick is one of the worst places I have come across for people leaning against shop windows, The lazier they are the longer they stand. The defendants said they were only standing on the edge of the pavement. They were each fined 2s. 6d. and costs.

Morpeth Herlad 15 Jan 1932