Pledge to end yob misery

YOUTHS hanging out at the outdoor play area in Newbury Walk, Chadderton

POLICE and housing chiefs have pledged a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The pledge follows residents’ claims that their lives are being made a misery by yobs near their homes.

Residents in the Busk area of Chadderton clai m they have been plagued by yobs for months - and have reported incidents including damaged cars, drug dealing, rowdy behaviour and burned fences several times, with little response.

A group of between six and 20 people aged 15-25, gather regularly in a park area near Kempton Way off Middleton Road.

One resident said: “The trouble-makers are there every day between around 3pm and 2am. They come and go. It’s every day and i’m absolutely sick of it.

Another resident added: “I’ve complained so many times to police. I see them around but they never seem to disperse the kids, or when they get here the kids have already left.

“The park was for little children, but they never use it.”

A third added: “I’ve had the wipers broken off my car. I am at the end of my patience now. I would move away if I could.

“I understand I live near a park and it is for children but these are older. They smoke weed all the time and it stinks. They take drugs and they leave cans all around my property. I never have any peace.”

Sgt Trevor Harrison, of the Oldham Central neighbourhood police team, said: “We all know the corrosive effect that anti-social behaviour can have onquality of life and we fully acknowledge residents’ genuine concern.

“We have set up Operation Winnipeg , with our partners, to drive down anti-social behaviour.

“We will have a dedicated team of officers making repeat visits to problem areas and will be taking direct action against anyone found to be committing a criminal offence.”

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has called anti-social behaviour the number one crime problem for Oldhamers - and has urged residents to report trouble and not suffer in silence.