PCSOs take up surgery at primary school

Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division and Elm Wood Primary School have come together in partnership to give local parents, guardians and teachers the chance to air their concerns through regular police surgeries at the school.

The police room will accommodate two PCSOs providing them with a base to work from in the heart of the community making them more accessible to local people.

The weekly sessions will help the officers in addressing issues causing concerns to residents and determine future priorities for the area.

Inspector Gary Hall, for Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “As part of the Safer Schools Partnership, the Neighbourhood Policing Teams across Rochdale Division work together with teachers, parents and governors to safeguard students and other residents in the local area from crime. Elm Wood Primary School has been a great support by providing us with this venue, which is frequented by pupils, parents, teachers, staff and other residents where we can talk to them and provide crime reduction advice and support.

“This facility provides us with a more permanent presence in the heart of the community and will make a real difference to further reducing crime and the fear of crime in the local neighbourhood.”

David Willis headteacher of Elm Wood Primary School, said: “We are pleased to have achieved this level of contact with the police. There are many questions often raised by parents and it is a great that we are able to work to find a solution by working closely with the officers.

“One of the PCSOs is even part of the governing body of the school and this has helped in increasing the childrens trust in the officers and has changed their perception of them.

“We just hope to see this link continue and prosper into the future.”