Another crackdown on anti-social behaviour around Astley Park in Tyldesley is underway.
Police, Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are focusing their attention on the area after recent reports of anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and residents’ bins being set on fire.
The Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will carry out high-visibility patrols to reassure residents and deter troublemakers, and young people causing a nuisance will have their details recorded on contact cards*.
Fire officers will inform residents about measures they can take to reduce opportunities for arson and Wigan Council’s neighbourhood teams will deliver leaflets highlighting the importance of residents being vigilant with their bins to stop them being stolen and set alight.
Inspector Liz Sanderson of the Atherton NPT said: “It is no secret that underage drinking often leads to anti-social behaviour,
and young people setting fire to bins is clearly one of the more serious consequences of this.
“We will therefore continue to prosecute those who sell alcohol to young people as well as adults who buy it for them.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Commander for Wigan Borough, Paul Petrykowski, said: “We are working together with our partners to drive down the number of bins being set on fire by using preventative measures. I would urge members of the public to help us in reducing the number of these incidents by storing their bins in a secure location. If you know who is responsible for deliberately setting fires in your area, you can call Firestoppers confidentially and anonymously on 0800 923 9999.”
Wigan Council's Cabinet Champion for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: "Wigan borough's parks are public facilities for everyone to enjoy. The message to those mindless few who see our parks as their own private space in which to cause mayhem, inflict damage and abuse others is - think again.
"We are sending the message that this type of behaviour simply will not be tolerated and we aim to use every means necessary to reclaim our open spaces for the vast majority of ordinary, decent members of the public who appreciate them for what they are.
"Police and council staff will be working hand-in-hand on this issue but there is another partner in the equation, namely those members of the public and communities who live close to our parks. I would urge everyone who witnesses criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in our parks to report it to the police."
To contact the Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team call 0161 856 7319 or e-mail atherton.apt@gmp.police.uk
To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To find information on fire safety measures and advice visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk
* Police pass on the details of young people involved in anti-social behaviour to the council’s neighbourhood teams in the form of contact cards. (Any young person involved in fire-related anti-social behaviour is invited to attend a course at Wigan Fire Station to inform them of the consequences of playing with fire.)
Neighbourhood teams can put young people in touch with relevant agencies to help them get back on the right track. This could involve encouraging them to participate in positive activities or educating them about the consequences of continuing to engage in anti-social behaviour.
If anti-social behaviour continues then warning letters are sent out to parents or guardians.
If the young person still continues to offend a good behaviour agreement (GBA) is implemented. This is signed by the young person, their parent or guardian, police and a supporting agency.
If the GBA is breached the young person can then be considered for an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) which places restrictions on them.
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