Campaigners: Drugs will not be tolerated

POLICE, Oldham Council, Saddleworth Parish council and bar owners from Uppermill have come together to stamp out drug use

SADDLEWORTH Police launched a campaign to stop the spread of drugs in the growing night time economy of Uppermill.

Run under the umbrella of Operation Sandstorm, the police will work in partnership with Oldham Council, Saddleworth District Partnership, Pub watch and the licensees of Saddleworth and Lees as they take a zero tolerance approach to stamp out the problem.

While increased traffic to the pubs and bars of Uppermill is good for the local economy, it has seen a small minority using controlled drugs.

Police want to send a clear message that drugs will not be tolerated.

The initiative, which was launched on Friday evening, will run through to early January with a view to being rolled out across the wider Oldham Metropolitan Borough area.

Sgt Neil Barker, of Saddleworth and Lees Policing Team, said: "Over recent months there has been a significant increase in visitors to the licensed premises each weekend, particularly the pubs and bars in Uppermill.

"This is fantastic news for the local economy, however it is apparent that a small minority of visitors are using controlled drugs whilst in the villages.

He said: "The aim of the initiative is to send out a clear message that engaging in anti-social behaviour and the use of controlled drugs is not acceptable and will not be tolerated."

He added: "We want people to visit and enjoy the facilities offered by the many licensed premises and retail outlets in the villages, but it is important that people do so safely whilst showing respect for the residents, other visitors and staff working in the area."