Earlier this week, GMP employed a Section 60 (Stop and search) in Failsworth and then expanded this into Limeside following a number of attacks and reports of concern involving weapons.
I have 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.
It is self-evident from reports from parents, experiences being shared on social media, and now confirmed incidents 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.
I welcome the expansion of the Section 60, but I am 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. 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.
Parents and guardians have an important role to play in educating young people on risks, and in spotting signs of any issues either online, in school or when out with friends, such as a change in behaviour and friendships. Awareness raising to help spot signs is an important part of an holistic campaign.
It’s important that the police are supported through this action, and it will mean that young people are stopped and spoken to, and potentially searched too, but that its necessary to disrupt any further escalation and to that catch those who are carrying weapons.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 