Partners and communities together (PACT) in Wigan South are celebrating successes on the ground and positive feedback from the local community.
Launched over a year ago now, PACT brings together residents, the police, community groups, alongside Wigan Council officers and local elected ward members. Teams are working closely ‘at street level’ and the Wigan South team have been reflecting on good news so far.
They have held a ‘one stop shop’ at St.Clowes Methodist Church on Enfield Street, giving locals a chance to meet officers and ward councillors to discuss what needs to be done.
Wigan Council’s PACT Co ordinator Nicola Robertson says: “Residents living in and around Enfield Street have told us that issues like anti social behaviour, speeding traffic, dog fouling and littering were their top concerns. We now have a specific plan for the area and have already put much of it in place.”
Using the trusted “you said, we did” technique, the team have:
- Delivered high visibility policing, with over 100 stop checks so far and a mobile station on Enfield Street
- Installed a new litter bin outside the newsagents
- Completed roadway repairs
- Improved the street cleaning schedule
- Added new signs about anti-social behaviour and dog fouling
- Arranged an outlet to distribute free dog poo bags
- Carried out traffic speeding survey to monitor complaints
- Speed activated signs to be installed in Enfield St.
- Referrals have been made by partners to the Youth Offending Team who have engaged with the youths in other activities and persons have also been issued with fixed penalty notices relating purchasing alcohol for persons under 18.
With youth crime and fear of crime a top concern for many residents, one of the headline activities of the PACT process has been the ‘X Zone Initiative’-locally based opportunities for young people in the Wigan South area.
Nicola adds: “The X Zone events were really positive. Running on Friday and Saturday evenings, around 200 local youths attended the sessions which included DJing and climbing wall activities. We have seen a marked reduction in juvenile youth nuisance calls and anti-social behaviour in the area.”
Sgt Danny O'Neill of Pemberton's Neighbourhood Policing team said, “Council and police are responding to complaints of antisocial behaviour from our community in a determined way. I believe we have been able to make significant improvements to people's quality of life, as well as seeking opportunities for positive youth engagement.”
With the area feeling safer and more cared for, the team will be bringing something of the Borough in Bloom colour to Enfield Street next, as new guardrail planters are to be installed along the road.
- Greater Manchester Police: 0161 872 5050
- Anti-Social Behaviour Unit: 01942 404021
- Neighbourhood Teams: 01942 767308
- Environmental services helpline: 01942 404364 (8am - 6pm on Monday to Friday, 8am -12.30pm on Saturdays)
