Milnrow residents have a 'Cuppa with a Copper'

Residents of Milnrow had the chance to talk about issues concerning them with local PC Stephen Hutchinson at the ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ event at Milnrow Library on 27 August.

Issues raised at the first Cuppa included concerns over antisocial behaviour and burglary, plus an update on the Milnrow and Newhey Resident Street Watch scheme.

PC Hutchinson said: “Having an informal chat with residents over a brew gives them chance to relay issues concerning them that we may not necessarily know about. “

“Some residents raised concerns about antisocial behaviour around some garages on Bentgate Street in Newhey, which RBH confirmed are owned by them, so it was great to have them there to see how this can be addressed,” PC Hutchinson said.

He added: “I’ve included the route in my patrol plan and will take appropriate action where needed.”

Partner agencies Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) and Street Watch were also in attendance to redirect residents to the appropriate agency and help with community engagement.

Launched in June 2019, Street Watch is about local residents promoting good citizenship and supporting a better neighbourhood by patrolling their own streets. They provide visible reassurance and appropriately engage, in local issues that matter most to the community.

Read more about Street Watch here:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/128368/village-resident-watch-group-launches

Group founder David Kendall said: “Street Watch is going really well, thanks to the overwhelming support from the community and the commitment from the volunteers.

“We have covered hundreds of miles between Firgrove, Milnrow and Newhey at different times of the day and night. 

“It’s now rare to go out without someone stopping us to thank us. People are finding the time to stop for a chat, even car and van drivers stop to say hello, discuss areas of concern, or just to say thanks. We have people who come to their windows to give us a wave in appreciation. 

“Everyone involved gives up their time for free so all the residents can feel that little bit safer. I would like to thank every person who has said hello or given the teams a wave your support is massively appreciated. Not only does this drive us to continue in the cold and wet weather but to grow and improve what we do.”

PC Hutchinson continued: “From my perspective, Street Watch is being really well received in the community with people feeling safer. We want to expand the scheme in the next 12 months, with more patrols on a regular basis.”

Mr Kendall added: “PC Hutchison has been working closely with us on the Street Watch project. It is clear to see we have fallen lucky with our neighbourhood policing team and their commitment to improving things.”

 

 

The group is currently using the Strava app, typically used for GPS tracking of a workout, showing patrol routes to see which streets are covered, and how the patrols are impacting on crime and antisocial behaviour.

The group is also looking at developing a specialised app exclusively for Street Watch, featuring patrol routes, a private messaging service and a way for local residents to raise concerns with the team, including a map to pinpoint particular areas of concern.

The police officer went on: “The app is some way off yet, but we are taking positive steps to try and improve communication.

“I’m pleased to see the way Street Watch brings the community together. It’s about taking ownership of the area, making life better, with the police helping any way we can.”

PC Hutchinson also hopes that a similar scheme will be extended to different areas in the Pennines, such as Littleborough.

He added: “It needs to be done in the right way. Everyone is properly vetted, and volunteers are covered by public liability insurance when they are patrolling.”

Details for the next ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ are being finalised, and will appear in the Events section of Rochdale Online when arrangements have been made.

Anyone wanting to get involved in Street Watch who can spare a couple of hours a week and lives or works in Milnrow, Newhey or Firgrove, please email: milnrow.newhey@gmail.com.