Young steered away from trouble

DIG your way to health . . . pictured (from the left) Barbara Dignan, David Blake, Maggie Blake, Tony Greenhalgh, Tony Ireson, Gerry Dignan and Digging for Health co-ordinator Hannah Williams

Police have been helping Chadderton youngsters to avoid trouble by inviting them into their station.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with other agencies to teach youngsters about the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

Eighteen young people, and their parents, were invited to Chadderton Police Station.

They heard from the Community Safety Unit, First Choice Homes Oldham, Connexions, Radclyffe School, Groundwork and the Youth Service, offering career advice, and information about youth clubs, activities and what support is available for young people and their families.

They also met Chadderton Councillors Colin McLaren and John Hudson, and Chadderton area manager Simon Shuttleworth.

Insp Dave Willcocks, of Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The evening was about educating the young people about the consequences of engaging in anti-social behaviour and how it affects the local community.

“Importantly, it was also about giving the young people a voice — listening to their needs and what facilities they want in their neighbourhood.

“A number of ideas were suggested which are now being looked at by the partnership.

“The evening went a long way to developing the relationship between the police, our partners and young people.

“The success of the event also highlights the strength of partnership working in Chadderton and how this approach can effectively address issues raised by the local community.”