Community mediators praised following town centre demos

Community mediators step forward to promote peace

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Over 40 volunteers from Rochdale’s communities who signed up as community mediators for Saturday’s (5 March 2011) demonstrations have been praised by the police and the Council.

Faith and community leaders donned their high-visibility jackets marked with ‘Community Mediator’ on the back when they took to the streets of Rochdale to engage and reassure the public.

Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police worked closely leading up to and during the event with local community representatives and businesses, listening to their concerns and putting plans in place to minimise disruption in the town centre as much as possible.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale Division said: “Our community mediators played a vital role in the police operation on Saturday and provided a visibly reassuring presence alongside police officers. They were able to actively engage with local people on the day to promote the benefits of peaceful protest, discourage anti-social or violent behaviour and restore confidence in the efforts of the police.

“I strongly believe our community mediators helped us facilitate what was a really challenging event and should be praised for their calming influence.”

Rochdale Borough Council Leader, Colin Lambert added: “The amount of community support has been overwhelming and their commitment to promoting peace through what has been a challenging time is a clear indication that local people want to see harmony in our town.

“I am proud of the way Rochdalians from across our diverse communities worked together with the authorities at the weekend to facilitate the peaceful right to protest.”