| Monday 15th May 2006 |
171/2006 |
Wigan Council is waging war on crime and grime, with five of the borough’s worst-affected areas set for a special ‘face lift’ over the coming months.
The battle starts next week (Monday 22nd May) in Marsh Green, a 1 000-home estate which has seen a 30% increase in disorderly behaviour in the past 12 months, bucking the borough’s downward trend.
During a week-long residency, council officers will be joined by Greater Manchester Police, fire service, Wigan & Leigh Housing, Marsh Green Residents Association and others to tackle what locals say are the most pressing issues facing the estate.
One aim is to rid the estate of a number of ‘grot spots’, with residents being invited to help transform parts of the estate, such as the once-popular community garden. Litter patrols will be stepped-up, backed by CCTV surveillance. Anybody caught dropping litter or fly-tipping in the area can expect severe penalties.
On Wednesday evening (24th May), between 6pm-8, residents can quiz police, council and housing representatives at a special ‘one-stop shop’ being held at the Marsh Green Community Centre. And police officers will be out and about across the estate throughout the week, meeting locals and finding out more about what they expect from the Greater Manchester force.
Cllr Keith Cunliffe, Cabinet Member for Community Protection says:
“Crime and grime on our estates can have a demoralising effect on the people who live there, people who have every right to demand something better.
“That’s why operation ’Facelift’ is about more than just cosmetic surgery. It’s about cutting crime, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving the environment and making Marsh Green and other estates places people can be proud of, places where people want to live.”
All agencies aim to build bridges with local youngsters throughout the week, with ‘Facelift’ coming to a close on Saturday 27th May with a special ‘fun day’, with activities for all ages and interests.