Antisocial youths warned their behaviour won’t be tolerated

Councillor Sara Rowbotham says inconsiderate and dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated

Antisocial youths are being warned that their behaviour won’t be tolerated as organisations join forces to tackle problems in Middleton.

Representatives from Rochdale Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Middleton Township Committee and local taxi/private hire companies have committed to preventing antisocial behaviour in Middleton, following a number of complaints about children throwing items such as bricks and planks of wood at passing taxis.

At the Middleton Township Committee meeting in March concerns were raised over the safety of local taxi and private hire drivers, their passengers and pedestrians.

Some drivers say they have reduced their working hours because of the problems and that they have been forced to spend money on repeat vehicle repairs.

As a result local partner agencies have agreed to work together to put actions in place and reduce the impact of antisocial behaviour in the Middleton area.

An increased presence of police and partner agencies in the town centre has been agreed as well as CCTV and support for victims to report the crimes. GMP will also be able to use powers such as criminal behaviour orders and dispersal orders to stop antisocial behaviour were appropriate.

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, ward councillor for North Middleton, said: “I am disappointed and saddened to hear about a small number of our young people inflicting problems on drivers in Middleton. This type of inconsiderate and dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated and I am confident that by working together with our partners we will be able to improve the safety of drivers and the people of Middleton.”

Residents with concerns about antisocial behaviour can report it online at

www.rochdale.gov.uk/antisocialbehaviour

0300 303 8878