Oldham out of league of shame danger zone

GREAT to see things moving forward . . . Terry Bruce

OLDHAM town centre is becoming a much safer place to enjoy a drink.

The town centre has fallen more than 30 places in a list of the most dangerous places to drink.

Oldham hospital admissions for alcohol-related injuries have dropped the town out of the top 10 to 42nd in the table.

Terry Bruce, general manager of Liquid and Envy in Retiro Street, said: “We need to be off that list altogether - but everybody has been working together to achieve this.

“Oldham is becoming a safer place to drink and the initiatives are working really well. We need to continue the work. Violence can be a problem so we have to manage it as best we can. It’s great to see things moving forward.”

Police have been working closely with the Pub and Club Watch scheme and the council to boost safety.

Chief Inspector Jim Troisi of Oldham police said: “We have put in place a number of initiatives around the night-time economy. These include enhanced visits to licensed premises and close work with Pub and Club Watch. We aim to intervene at the earliest possible stage to prevent any escalation.”

Councillor Eddie Moores, deputy Cabinet member for economy and enterprise, praised the effects of partnership working on boosting safety in the town.

“In the past two years, more than 200 bar staff have taken part in conflict resolution training. Areas of the town centre are also more illuminated.

“We’re creating a new vision for the town centre — a place for everyone, not just clubbers. Oldham is well on its way to becoming a vibrant and healthy town centre.”