Fury as crowds of disrespectful Pokemon Go ‘zombies’ descend on British war memorial

A SLEEPLESS man says Pokemon Go 'zombies' have disrupted his nights for SIX WEEKS by massing outside his home.

He says things have got so bad he is preparing to barricade a side street so he can get a good night's kip.

The man, who does not want to be identified, lives near the memorial gardens in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, which has three designated 'Pokestops'.

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He said: "Our whole life has been transformed. Every weekend we are dreading it.

"We haven't had a good night's sleep in six weeks because of the noise and the traffic. It's just constant, 24/7."

He claimed vehicles in the street have been damaged by cars trying to squeeze down the narrow road, and his car window and bumper have been smashed.

He added: "It's like a street full of zombies. It's supposed to be a memorial garden. It's disgusting."#

The man said a coach trip was even scheduled to take gamers to the gardens next weekend.

He threatened that if the disruption gets worse again he will block access.

Local businesses however say the game has boosted local trade with more people visiting the seaside town.

Fish and chip shop owner John Sullivan said: "It has definitely brought in more trade.

"I can see what they mean since there are a lot of them in the Memorial Gardens on the benches looking at their phones, not just ten or so but 50 or more.

"But it has been good for bringing people into the town."

Hornsea Town Council said they have only received four noise and litter complaints and it was a "fad" which would die out by the end of the summer.

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Mayor Councillor Lee Walton said: "It's a little bit of a fad.

"By the time school starts and the weather gets bad things will calm down."

He said, if problems continue, the council will discuss having the gardens removed from the game at its next meeting in September.

"Bear in mind it's a residential area and a place of remembrance for servicemen, a place for quiet and contemplation," he said.

Police were called to the gardens on Thursday night after reports large groups were "causing a nuisance", intimidating people and climbing on benches.

A Hornsea neighbourhood policing team spokesman said: "Large groups causing a nuisance had to be dispersed late on in the evening and were intimidating visitors to the gardens who were sitting peacefully.

"The large group was also found to be climbing street furniture.

"We ask that visitors to the gardens both local and from out of town please consider the meaning of the Memorial Gardens and respect the residents nearby.

"Memorial Gardens is a place of peace and reflection.

"It serves as a reminder for those who have served and fallen for our country in the world wars and recent conflicts, we ask that noise is respectful, do not climb on the memorial and take your litter home with you.

"While most people are sitting and playing Pokemon Go peacefully some are taking matters further.

";The police will deal with these antisocial behaviour matters accordingly."