Police head to park for holiday weekend

OFFICERS from Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Team will be policing in the park over the bank holiday weekend.

Young people are being encouraged to visit the mobile police station at Waterhead Park tomorrow and Sunday, between 6pm and 11pm, where they can talk to their local officers and pick up some advice on how to stay safe.

Extra officers will be on patrol to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensure that people enjoy a safe visit to the park.

Insp Mark Davis said: “Anti-social behaviour and youths causing annoyance are the main issues that residents tell us are affecting their quality of life. By encouraging young people to talk to us we can find out what leads them to this behaviour in the first place and find ways to tackle it together.

“We will also be talking to members of the public about what they think about the parks in their neighbourhood and how they can be improved.”

The event is part of Safer Spaces, a forcewide initiative aimed at encouraging the responsible use of public parks and open areas.

It will see police officers carrying out a number of operations in support of their work tackling anti-social behaviour.

This will include high visibility patrols around schools, parks and public spaces to act as a deterrent.

Chief Insp Rob Tinlsey said: “Police in Oldham are committed to working with residents to tackle crime and anti-social issues. Parks and open spaces across the borough can often attract a disproportionate amount of reports of anti-social behaviour and certain times of year generate increased calls to the police.

“By working with young people, parents, youth services and Oldham Council we aim to encourage a more responsible use of parks and public spaces, reduce crime and the fear of crime and ensure these areas can be enjoyed by all sections of the community.”

To find out more about what police are doing over the half-term holiday, contact your local neighbourhood policing team:

::Oldham West on 0161-856 8927 (Coldhurst, Werneth, Medlock Vale and Alexandra).

l Oldham East on 0161-856 9028 (St Marys, Waterhead and St James).

::Failsworth and Hollinwood on 0161-856 8914 (Failsworth West, Failsworth East and Hollinwood).

::Royton and Shaw on 0161-856 8983 (Crompton, Shaw, Royton North and Royton South)

::Chadderton on 0161-856 8825 (Chadderton North, Chadderton Central and Chadderton South).

::Saddleworth and Lees on 0161-856 4524 (Saddleworth North, Saddleworth South and Saddleworth West and Lees).

::Oldham Town Centre on 0161-856 8903.

Young people can find out what is happening in their area by calling Oldham Youth Services on 0161-770 3168 or visiting www.oldham.gov.uk