Oldham MP Jim McMahon has voiced his fears over the increase in gang related violence around Failsworth and Hollinwood
His concerns follow incidents last week which saw police implement a Section 60 order after groups fighting outside Tesco on Ashton Road West in Failsworth
In a post on social media the MP said that he has raised with the police over a long period my concern of gang related violence which many parents will recognise as the ‘postcode’ disputes which have unfortunately been a long-standing feature of some schools in Oldham which serve communities across Oldham and Manchester.
He warns that there is a growing and deeply worrying increase in violent attacks, theft, and intimidation centring around groups from the Manchester area and in Oldham, with Failsworth District Centre, the Metrolink tram, and the Rochdale Canal clear hotspots.
While welcoming the expansion of the Section 60, he is calling for a far more coordinated and sustained programme beyond the 32 hours it was in place.
“That requires pro-active intervention across schools, alternative provision, youth services, the police and others beyond a short-term operation.” adding that
“All services are under immense pressure, even as I list those agencies, I am aware that both Failsworth Police Station and Limeside Police Post have closed, and so too have Failsworth Youth Centre and Limeside Youth Centre, and all that does have an impact, but that does not mean that resources can’t be directed to combat this once and for all.”
