Safety zone for revellers

OLDHAM Council has teamed up with police to ensure revellers stay safe in the run-up to Christmas.

Special measures are being introduced for taxis and private hire vehicles in the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

All private hire vehicles bringing people into the town from 8pm for drop off in Yorkshire Street will be directed to Bradshaw Street, while public hire taxis will be directed to the rank in St Mary’s Way.

The junction of Yorkshire Street and St Mary’s Way will be designated as a “safety zone” with police enforcing the no stopping or waiting restrictions.

People are warned not to turn up drunk as officers will refuse them entry to the Yorkshire Street area.

Similarly anyone under the age of 18 will be refused entry and police will be on the lookout for fake IDs.

Supt Stuart Goodwin of Oldham Police said: “The Oldham Partnership is committed to making Oldham a safe environment for people who wish to visit.

“Anyone engaging in criminal or anti-social behaviour is not welcome.

“We urge people to remember to drink responsibly, have a good time, and get home safely.”

Councillor Jim McArdle, chairman of Oldham’s licensing committee, added: “We want people to come to Oldham and enjoy a festive and fun atmosphere.

“However, we also want to make sure that atmosphere isn’t spoiled by an unruly minority.”