Turf Hill teams up to target local nuisance

Date published: 23/03/2005

Rt. Hon Charles Clarke recently met up with Rochdale MP Lorna Fitzsimons on Turf Hill Estate, Rochdale, to help local people to ‘take a stand’ against anti social behaviour and juvenile nuisance in their area. The situation had become so hostile that buses and taxis refused to drive through.

Charles and Lorna Fitzsimons visited two women at their homes on Delamere Road, to discuss how they had been affected. One of the women said: “There has been some terrible racial abuse. Some Asians have been driven off the estate; they just got attacked or someone would put a brick through or their windows. I was in the street once with my grandson in my arms, and I had a brick thrown at me. It only just missed him. Its frightening, I didn’t know kids could be like that”.

Charles Clarke was enthusiastic about the level of team work: “I see that Turf Hill is a decent place with a strong community, and the people here are willing to stick together and make a difference. At the end of the day, we all have human rights, and they have to be paramount. What these women and other locals have gone through is terrible.

“However, there has been a dramatic decrease in anti social behaviour, and this just shows how, as a team, we can make things better. What we need now is for the local council to really work together with the police for the improvements to stay as they are.”

Lorna Fitzsimons showed Charles Clarke into Turf Hill Community Centre, which has been rebuilt after an arson attack on the building. Lorna spent time talking to local residents about their experiences. She said: “I’m happy that our system is on the side of individuals, and that we can address them directly. There’s so many cases were people are being victimised for various reasons, and to target anto social behaviour is very important. We’ve had a 40% crime reduction which is outstanding.”

The use of Community Partnership scheme and the leadership of local Labour Councillor Lynne Brosnan have had a real impact on the Turf Hill area. If you are suffering from any form juvenile nuisance in the Rochdale area, you should contact GMP Police on 0161 872 5050.