'Let’s work together to fix criminal justice in Oldham', says MP Jim McMahon.

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has written to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Stephen Watson, urging him to increase partnership working to tackle the causes and pathways to criminality in Oldham.

In the letter the Oldham MP writes, ‘My constituents would welcome your commitment to locking up more criminals.

'It is a fact that too many feel the chances of being caught are minimal, which then opens the door for more crime.

'However, my constituents also understand, because they see it in their own communities, that the causes of crime and pathways to criminality are complex.

'To tackle the causes of crime which include poverty, lack of opportunity, educational underachievement and a lack of role models, it requires early intervention and a partnership approach.’

Speaking after the letter was sent Jim said, “In my time as an MP and a local councillor before that, I’ve always found that the neighbourhood policing model, that was rooted in community, visible on the streets and working with key partners was one that worked best.

"I welcome what the new Chief Constable has said about neighbourhood policing and hope we can get there sooner than later.

“Oldham has lost a number of police stations and posts over the years, we’ve not a single custody cell operating in the borough and both of our courts have closed.

"I’ve asked the Chief Constable to reopen custody cells in Oldham, like he has announced he will in Bolton.

“For too many people in Oldham, it feels like justice has left town.

"Victims of crime are too often left without response or feeling like they’ve been let down if they do get a response.

"We’ve got to work together to improve the service that people get, we’ve got to work to combat poverty, to improve opportunities and intervene early to prevent people getting caught up in a life of criminality.

“I want to see improvements for our town and I’m looking forward to working with GMP, the Council and other local partners to get them underway.”

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