First meeting off to a flying start

A BUMPER crop of complaints were aired at first meeting of the Medlock Vale Partners and Communities Together (PACT) at the Honeywell Centre, Hathershaw.

Insp Alan Humphries, who led the workshop-style public meeting asked residents to prioritise their issues and concerns within Medlock Vale which Insp Humphries promised would be dealt with and progress reported back at the next meeting.

Supporting the inspector were local Police Community Support Officers and representatives from the council.

One woman, who didn’t wished to be named, complained that young children were being harassed by a family in Fitton Hill.

Other problems topping the lists were graffiti in Bardsley and one resident highlighted that a wall at the back of the vacant Horse Shoe pub had been knocked over by children.

Peter Green, chairman of Bardsley homewatch, said that although the bricks had been cleared, another wall has since been knocked down.

There were also complaints about youths congregating behind Hathershaw Lane and residents stressed that a large number of empty properties in Hathershaw were attracting vandalism.

A resident reported that a man in Rosary Road, Fitton Hill, was selling cars from home and repairing them on the streets.

Insp Humphries said: “Twenty-nine issues have been noted — all of which will be looked at by the police and council representatives. We will then come back and give you feedback.”

Louts to be targeted

A NEW police operation has been launched to anti-social behaviour among youths in Medlock Vale.

The Respect in the Community project and Operation Abstain will run over the school summer holidays targeting young people known to police for being involved in criminal activity

Officers are also focusing on those who are not in education, employment or training. Insp Humphries said: “This target group would also generally be distant from services attempting to engage them in positive activities.”

Crackdown arrest

WEST Oldham police updated residents about the work being done in Medlock Vale to deter criminal activity.

Insp Alan Humphries told the meeting that a man has been arrested and banned from keeping animals after reports he was seen around Tip Road with a dangerous dog.

Youth nuisance and anti social behaviour on Springwood Hall Road and Westerhill Road, Fitton Hill, had also targeted during police patrols.

At the previous meeting, residents reported that another man had been seen carrying an air rifle on Tip Road. Officers have been liaising with residents, but there have been no further sightings of the man.