Team’s fight to drive out the yobs and robbers

CRIME is coming down in East Oldham, but the neighbourhood policing team is stepping up its efforts to make the area a better and safer place to live.

There are now seven PCs and 10 PCSOs serving the area and there are a number of ongoing operations to target areas of youth nuisance and burglary.

The joint Operation Lucena has been launched by officers in Oldham East and West to target problems with burglary in Werneth, Clarksfield and Glodwick and police are closing in on a gang of teenagers believed to be committing the offences.

Criminal damage to vehicles and property in St Mary’s is on the rise and a long-term programme of high visibility patrols and partnership operations is being set up. Moves to tackle youth nuisance and underage drinking in Waterhead Park are also being carried out.

Insp Mark Davies said: “We are trying to get more staff on the beat in East Oldham and the team is committed to tackling the problems that affect residents. We are doing everything we can to put things right.”

Leaflets detailing the names and contact details of all officers serving the area will be distributed to every house over the next few weeks.

Council cuts fears for library


PROPOSED Oldham Council budget cuts to claw back a £17 million deficit may hit community facilities in East Oldham.

Stoneleigh Library is on the list and could face closure prompting some residents to complain about a lack of services and facilities in the area.

Councillor Jackie Stanton said: “Figures show that Stoneleigh Library is the least used library in the borough meaning it is not value for money — but at this stage the cuts are just proposals and nothing is set in stone.”

One resident said: “Derker is supposed to be an area of regeneration, but what’s the point of sprucing up the area when there are no facilities for the community to use?”

Councillor Kay Knox added: “We would love to retain every single facility in Oldham and add more, but it is just not possible. We welcome any suggestions for cutting costs.”


The big clean-up


GROUNDWORK’S 20 ward challenge is well under way with clean-up programmes planned for Derker and other areas in the St James ward.



The team will move to St Mary’s and Waterhead wards over the next few weeks and are looking for volunteers to help with the projects and nominations for areas to clean up.