Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd visits Rochdale

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PCC Tony Lloyd and Deputy PCC Jim Battle with the PACT Youth Forum at Smallbridge Library

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd paid a visit to Rochdale yesterday (Wednesday 12 August) and met with young people to speak about their experiences, local issues, stop and search and policing.

Mr Lloyd and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle met with young people at the launch of the Youth PACT and Forum at Smallbridge Library.

Young people from the area attended the meeting, as well as local police officers and PCSOs, Councillor Aftab Hussain and representatives from Rochdale Youth Service.

It is understood that the Youth PACT and Forum is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and was launched as a way for young people to raise issues with the police, local councillors, the local authority and staff.

Speaking at the forum, Mr Lloyd described the group as “trailblazers” following their decision to start the youth forum.

The group discussed issues including stop and search, drugs, anti-social behaviour and hate crime.

The young people were also given the opportunity to question Mr Lloyd about his job and asked him questions about his background and his qualifications.

Youth worker Mohammed Zarafat said: “It was a good opportunity for the young people to speak directly to Mr Lloyd, GMP and local councillors and it gave the young people the chance to express their views.

“I think the forum is a good place for young people to express their views and act on tackling issues that they find important. The event was well attended and is well needed in the area.

“From what I understand this is the first forum of its kind, certainly in Rochdale, but I think in Greater Manchester, so it was a really positive meeting to start.”

Following on from his visit to Smallbridge Library, Mr Lloyd met with volunteering police cadets at Matthew Moss Youth Centre.

In the afternoon he met with young people who are receiving extra support to get qualifications, skills and training at Rathbone and ended his visit by meeting with the Rochdale Partnership Enforcement Team at Rochdale Police Station.