The clean-up of Rutland Showground is underway, after those who attended a religious festival left yesterday.

Last night, Rutland MP Alicia Kearns issued an update on the situation which has led to hundreds of complaints about the behaviour of some people who came to Oakham for the festival.

The disturbances, blamed on a small minority, included reports of abuse, attempted burglary, looting and drag racing on the Oakham bypass.

Many town businesses closed for a spell and McDonald's closed early.

Mrs Kearns said last night: "Today I visited to the Rutland Showground. The departure has been managed incredibly well, from clean-up to policing."

Measures taken to make the departure safe and effective included:

ï¸ A full time road sweeper arranged by the Council

Event attendees arranged a 60 person litter picking team around the Showground itself and BP, Aldi, the bypass and nearby verges

Self-marshalling by attendees and additional security from the Showground and a police presence ensuring a managed exit to prevent too much disruption on our roads

Police presence to support event attendees and the community

The MP added: "I am confident lessons have been learned, and there will be more evaluation of what more can be done in the future to ensure all events will be managed with the safety and security of our community in mind."

The Rutland Agricultural Society also said late yesterday: "St Hilda's Light and Life event has now ended. Almost all vehicles have now left the site, this was done in an orderly and managed way. A few vehicles remain as part of the site clear up plan. These vehicles will depart tomorrow (Saturday). "

After increasing patrols in the area this week, Rutland Police said today: "Local officers including members of our Neighbourhood Priority Team will be in the Oakham area today.

"It's very much business as usual with crime allocation, events to prepare for and visibility within the community. "

Tom Mumby of Rutland Car Boot sale said yesterday that the field they use was in 'excellent condition' and today's (Saturday) car boot sale would go ahead as normal.