Community concerns raised in Alkrington

Crime, anti-social behaviour and feeling unable to report issues were amongst community concerns raised in Alkrington with a meeting between local residents, ward councillors and police officers on Wednesday (31 August).

Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter from GMP’s Rochdale division led the meeting along with local councillors from Rochdale Council. The meeting was arranged by GMP and the local authority to allow local residents to take part in an open dialogue to voice their concerns about where they live.

Residents from the local area expressed their concerns about the areas rising anti-social behaviour, crime, and fears for their safety in their communities. A recent article in the press labelled the Alkrington estate 'one of the worst in Greater Manchester'.

Concerns were raised regarding the declining image of the area, giving a negative image for the residents of the estate.

 

 

Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter said “We attended the meeting to speak to members of the community to listen to all their concerns and discuss how we can work together to improve the community.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear those members of the community in the Alkrington and Langley areas feel this way about where they live and I understand their concerns about how their community looks in the eyes of the media.

“We recognise that some members of the community are frustrated with the police or feel like they cannot approach the police out of fear for themselves or their families and neighbours.

“We need members of the local community to report crimes, to tell the police and the local council about areas where they feel are unsafe and to voice their opinions and that’s when we can start to see a real change.

“We are working day in and out to ensure we keep our communities safe and want justice for everyone, but we cannot do this without your help.

“GMP Rochdale’s division are committed to working with partners, the local authorities, and charities to tackle the issues raised in today’s meeting and make Middleton an area that people feel safe and are proud to live in. We will continue to work with the local community and partners over the coming weeks to tackle these issues and hopefully see a real change.”

 

 

The meeting also touched on some communities feeling unable to report crime due to ‘fears and deep-seated issues’ on the estate, with plans to launch a Crimestoppers Anonymous Campaign across the town.

Councillor Dylan Williams said: “This will hopefully give residents the confidence they can report things completely anonymously and will then start to have a true reflection of crime and ASB statistics.”

Councillor Williams added that local councillors are “hopeful” PACT meetings will return in Middleton, where residents bring concerns to a panel of councillors, council officers, housing officers, police and other agencies.

“PACT meetings were a great way in order to co-ordinate a multi-agency approach to tackling issues such as crime and ASB. We want these to return ASAP,” he added.