Lifetime awards for Rochdale Area Watch duo

Mr Bowden, far left, and Mr McKail, second left

Roy Bowden and David McKail have been awarded for outstanding service to the Rochdale Area Watch Association at its Annual general meeting. Mr Bowden, former secretary, completed 20 years of service, whilst Mr McKail, former treasurer, has served for 15 years.

Chairman of the association, Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, praised them for their hard work: “They contributed a lot to the area in a very positive way, they improved the image of the Rochdale area and the quality of life of many people.”

Their efforts were also recognised by John O’Hare, Police Chief Superintendent of Rochdale, who thanked them, all Home Watch Co-ordinators, Community Crime Fighters and partner agencies for improving the quality of life of local people and reducing crime. He insisted that security needs to get better in the town, but emphasised that the improvement shown over the last three is something to be proud of.

Mr Shahzad, from Milkstone and Deeplish, added that the Association would continue to work hard to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and bogus-calling, and mentioned successful schemes that have prevented cold-calling in the Syke area and reduced disturbances to mosques across the borough.

Members take part in area meetings to raise concerns with the police.

Mr Shahzad urged more people to join the organisation and set up more Home Watch Schemes: “There are now more than 1,000 members in Rochdale, and numbers have increased rapidly in the last few years and we want more people involved. Anyone who wants to get involved can contact me on 07851323612.”