Villagers to hold nuisance summit

Reporter: KEN BENNETT
Date online: 08 September 2009

Litter and anti-social behaviour on agenda

A Saddleworth village is hosting a summit to tackle blighting anti-social behaviour and litter problems in the area.

The move organised by Street Scene Greenfield, part of the local residents’ association, is aimed at making the village and surrounding areas a safe and pleasant environment.

Influential groups and individuals will discuss development of co-ordinated action to combat the problems at a public meeting next month.

The two-hour meeting is to be chaired by Peter Lowe, a key member of Street Scene, who said: “We are inviting influential strategists seeing the bigger picture for our community with a vision for its future.”

A panel will include Oldham Councillor Richard Knowles, Inspector Danny Milovanovic, GMP Saddleworth and Lees Policing Team and Peter Rafferty, Oldham Council Street Scenes group manager.

Invited guests include Oldham Councillor Christine Wheeler, Roy Taylor of the RSPB, Mick Nield, leader of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, Dovestone Sailing Club, officials from Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association (GGRA) and village-based schools and social groups.

The agenda covers security, safety and cleanliness for residents and visitors to the area including Dovestone.

Mr Lowe said: “GGRA’s growth reflects increasing involvement and concern of local people about environmental impacts on our area.

“In February, Street Scene Greenfield Group (SSGG) was established to undertake activities and initiatives to protect and improve our environment and amenities for residents and visitors.

“Initially focusing on Greenfield, we are seeking to develop community and village identity, rather than being a dormitory area and a corridor to access the Pennine moors, Dovestone and Uppermill.”

He added: “We face a growing problem of anti-social behaviour on weekend evenings when groups of school-aged young people, high on drugs and illegally sold alcohol, wander different village locations causing damage to property and amenities. Older residents and visitors often feel threatened, especially when out walking alone.”

And he highlighted closely-linked litter problems citing areas including shops, bridleways and the reservoir.

He added: “Litter impacts on people’s enjoyment of our village, its amenities and the beauty of surrounding countryside.

“With the introduction of RSPB’s bird sanctuary at Dovestone, activities of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, a co-ordinated effort must be made to take action to reduce litter, dog fouling and minimise anti-social behaviour.

“This is too big a task to place on one group but everyone working together can achieve much more.

“People having a respect for and involvement with our village environment and countryside can generate respect in others,” he declared.

The meeting takes place on Monday, October 19 (7.30-9.30pm) at the Methodist Church, Chew Valley Road, Greenfield.