Police chief’s support for anti-binge solution

HELPING . . . an ADS client and Chief Constable Peter Fahy

The region’s top policeman found out how Oldham is tackling the problems of drugs and binge drinking when he visited a treatment service.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy spent a morning at the offices of Addiction Dependency Solutions in Greaves Street, Oldham.

ADS provides a wide range of programmes and treatments for drug and alcohol dependency individually tailored to clients’ needs.

Mr Fahy has publicly highlighted the problems of underage drinking, binge drinking, drinking in public places and the wide availability of cheap alcohol — along with associated anti-social behaviour.

ADS chief executive Rhona Bradley said: “The issue of binge drinking in Oldham has been well publicised in recent months and ADS is among the agencies working with the council to address this.

“At ADS we know the police are key, and we have been very encouraged by the interest and commitment the chief constable has shown in this area, which is further demonstrated by his visit to us.”

Mr Fahy met staff and partners, toured the building and saw the range of services on offer. He also hosted a question and answer session with ADS staff and clients, who raised issues and asked questions, as well as relating some of their own grass-roots experiences.

Mr Fahy said: “It’s great to see an agency such as this making a positive contribution to the local community. The services offered by ADS are vital tools in helping us combat drug and alcohol addiction and associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

“By working together and dealing with the issues at a local level we can take a more preventive approach, tackling the potential causes of crime and anti-social behaviour before they escalate.”