Hundreds of people visit Heywood Police Station open day

Hundreds of people visited an open day at Heywood Police Station on Saturday 19 August as the police station opened its doors to residents for its first open day in many years.

The day was a huge success with over 350 people meeting the local policing team to learn about how the neighbourhood team protects local communities.

The Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team was supported by various departments from Greater Manchester Police, including the traffic and firearms teams, alongside various local organisations and charities, including representatives from the Russell Foundation.

The Russell Foundation is working closely with police to reduce knife violence throughout the town. It was founded earlier this year by Tracy Marsland after her son, 17-year-old Callum ‘Russell’ Riley, was murdered in the Darnhill area last year.
 

Read more: Successful launch of the Russell Foundation in memory of Callum 'Russell' RileyPublished: 31 May 2023

Sgt Matt Honey, of the Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team, said he is “determined” to run more public events at the station to make better use of it and other local teams are doing similar initiatives.

He explained: “When I took over the team late last year, I promised that we would make better use of the station in Heywood. Unfortunately, over the years and due to austerity, it was decided to close the front desk and I know that caused great disappointment.

“That is something that is beyond my control, however, I am determined to run more public events at the station. This summer we have already had successful sergeant surgeries and we are increasing the meetings we hold at the station.”

Of the open day, Sgt Honey said: “I was pleased to see so many young people attending the event and I know many of them learnt a lot about policing. The feedback I have received from the local community is fantastic, so thank you to everyone that attended.

“There is some great work being done in Heywood jointly between the policing team and partner agencies. We are targeting offenders who are causing a lot of harm in the community, and we have some exciting projects around youth violence and I'm sure will help tackle this problem.

“We have additional resources in the area on a more regular basis looking at other priorities like burglaries and traffic offences who are also working closely with my team.

“We are not complacent and we will keep pushing to do our best to address issues as the other neighbourhood teams are doing in their respective areas. Open days factor into my plan. I'm determined to give local residents more access to my team and I personally had some brilliant conversations with many of the visitors on Saturday.”

He continued: “Communication is very important to me, and this is something I am driving in the team. The Bee in the Loop service is an excellent tool that we are using as much as we can. Please spread the word and sign your families, friends and neighbours up to it; it is a direct link to your local team.

“If you feel like we are not addressing issues, I invite you to speak with me personally, you can reply to me in Bee in the Loop or come to one of my sergeant surgeries, or better yet, I’ll be door-knocking with local councillors in hotspot areas starting next month so speak to me then. I’ll look into any issues you have.

“Thank you for your ongoing support.”

GMP's community messaging system, Bee In The Loop gives you a direct line to your neighbourhood policing team, to keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community. Sign up to receive free text or email alerts at beeintheloop.co.uk.