Charlotte Cadden

Over the last several months, the Bury East NPT has been focusing on the issues that are having a detrimental impact on local people’s quality of life.

In February and March we carried out two crack house closures - the first ever to take place on the division - on Vernon Street and Fairfield Drive. These two houses caused major problems for local residents in terms of noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and, of course, illegal drug taking and dealing.

We were determined to take action and gathered evidence of the activities taking place at the houses and obtained closure orders through the court. Both houses will remain boarded up for three months.

Neighbours of these properties are telling us that their lives have improved immeasurably since the removal of these problem tenants and I hope it will also send a strong message to similarly inconsiderate people that they cannot simply do whatever they like with impunity.

Added to this, we have had some real successes with our anti-social behaviour operations targeting nuisance behaviour and crime in our parks and open spaces which means fewer people are suffering the effects of alcohol fuelled nuisance and disorder.

These kind of initiatives can have a very positive effect on residents’ confidence in their communities and this has been reflected in a surge in the numbers of people looking to join Home Watch schemes in the Moorside and Mosses areas.

Home Watch schemes give people a real stake in the security of their neighbourhoods and can also reduce home insurance costs and improve community relations as residents work together to fight crime. To find out more about Home Watch contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team (details below).

We recently had a successful week of action in the Mosses area which saw large areas of the community cleaned of graffiti and hazardous waste and litter. One of the most pleasing aspects of this was the number of local volunteers who helped out including members of the Bury Asian Women’s Centre and Mosses Centre.

We shot a video of the activities that took place during the week – alongside partners from the Fire and Rescue Service and local authority - which we will showcase at a special award ceremony at Holy Trinity Primary School next week.

Recently, we have also seen an increase in the number of volunteers who are coming forward to help us communicate with victims of domestic abuse which I am sure will both increase reporting of incidents and improve the support we provide to victims.

Finally, I would like to thank local people for their support at the local PACT meetings, which are well attended and provide a vibrant discussion on local issues and lead to immediate positive action in the community such as a recent operation targeting HGV drivers on Willow Street.

I would encourage people to attend these meetings and tell us their policing concerns so we can continue to make Bury East a nicer and safer place to live.