| Wednesday 28th June 2006 |
229/2006 |
Wigan Council’s war on crime and grime moves to Worsley Hall next week (w/c Monday 3 rd July).
The 600 home estate is the second of the borough’s worst-affected areas targeted for a special ‘face lift’, following the recent Marsh Green success.
Although crime in the borough is falling, Worsley Hall has seen substantial increases in criminal damage, vandalism and youth nuisance over the past 12 months.
During a week-long residency, council officers will be joined by Greater Manchester Police, fire service, Wigan & Leigh Housing, Worsley Hall Tenants and 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 run-down parts of the estate. Litter patrols will be stepped-up, backed by CCTV surveillance, and there will be a week-long bulky rubbish amnesty. Anybody caught dropping litter or fly-tipping, however, can expect severe penalties.
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 Worsley Hall and other estates places people can be proud of, places where people want to live.”
Also joining in the facelift are offenders from Wigan who are serving community punishment orders.
Peter Seddon, Unpaid Work Manager at Greater Manchester Probation Service adds:
“ We are delighted to be working alongside the council and our other partners to improve the local environment and make the estate cleaner, safer and more attractive for all. Not only are offenders paying back their local communities they are helping to make life much better for local residents."
All agencies aim to build bridges with local youngsters throughout the week, with ‘Facelift’ coming to a close on Saturday 8 th July with a special ‘Eco fun day’, with activities for all ages and interests.