Crime haven pulled down

A derelict building, opposite St John’s Primary School in Rochdale, which was a hotspot for anti-social behaviour has been pulled down.

Talks began between the council, the school, police, Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) and Housing Market Renewal (HMR) after St John’s Primary School asked how the problem could be stopped once and for all. All parties agreed the most effective method to solve the issue was to demolish the building and ensure those committing anti-social behaviour had nowhere to hide and carry out their acts.

Before demolition was agreed, all entrances to the building were boarded up – which prevented people from getting into the building.

PCSO Martyn Beever from Rochdale Police explained there has been a marked decrease in anti-social behaviour since the building was boarded off. He said: “We were ploughing officers into the area to curb anti-social behavior, but since the entrances were blocked off we’ve been able to send resources into other areas, so we’re delighted to finally see the building come down.”

Now the building has been pulled down, next steps will involve the council consulting councillors and the public to decide what will ultimately happen on the land where the canteen stood.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, ward member for Milkstone and Deeplish, is keen to solve parking issues around the area and start discussions around the land being used as a temporary car park for local residents, until the future development plans for the area are drawn up. He said: “As ward councillor, I’m committed to ensuring the people of this area see that whatever goes in its place meets their needs. Parking has been a problem for people living and coming into this area for a long time, and we will consult local people to get their views on what should ultimately happen to the land in future.

Gary Davies, principal project officer at Rochdale Development Agency welcomed the canteen’s demolition as part of the regeneration of the area. He said: “This busy Milkstone Road area forms part of the Housing Market Renewal Brighter Futures project, aiming to attract private sector investment to create a wider choice of housing and new employment sites over the next ten to 15 years.

“The Brighter Futures proposals will take time, however we think it is important in the current economic climate that we carry out work wherever possible to make the area more attractive and safe for local residents and to get it ready for future development.”

If you’d like to have your say about what happens to the old canteen site opposite St John’s School, call Gary Davies on (01706) 837444 or email g.davies@investinrochdale.co.uk