Booze seized in park sting

TROLLEYED... PC Adam Murphy and PC Claire Steward with some of the booze they seized at Royton Park

POLICE are winning the battle to reclaim Royton Park from bullies, underage drinkers and drug users after covert swoops netted thousands of pounds worth of booze — and £200 in cannabis.

Officers went undercover after dozens of complaints from local residents.

Royton and Shaw Neighbourhood policing team now plan to catch the ring-leaders red-handed using new body camcorders — already used to make other arrests in the park.

PC Adam Murphy, who took part in the operation, says plain-clothed officers from outside the area — not recognised by local youngsters — were brought in to help make a number of arrests.

He said: “There have been a lot of problems with robberies, bullying, drinking and drug-taking in the park and it’s become a bit of a no-go zone.

“We just need to get the idiots out and make it a safer place for young people to go.

“We’ve already taken loads of spirits and cans of beer and cider from underage drinkers.

“We’ve seen so many problems with children of that age. They can’t handle the alcohol and then become vulnerable adults who are not in control. Anything could happen to them. We want youngsters to tell us about problems so we can continue to take positive action.”

Police say it is a dimly-lit park and provides dark spots for mischief-makers to hang out.

Councillor Steven Bashforth said he was pleased to hear about the seizures as residents have constantly complained about the long-standing problem.

“Royton police keep a low profile but they have come up trumps again,” he said.

“Weekends are the worst for underage drinkers and adults buying drink for children but there can’t be police on duty up there 24 hours-a-day.

“Royton Park is lovely but it has lots of dark spots where bad things go on. I hope the police have had stern words and we have a clear-up of this problem.”

Two people from Oldham have been arrested — one for possessing cannabis and one for being drunk and disorderly. Four youngsters were given warnings over cannabis.