A sports project which dramatically cut youth-related anti-social behaviour in Wigan town centre has been praised by a Home Office minister.
Alan Campbell recently visited Mesnes Park, where last summer Operation Windburn proved a successful and popular measure in diverting young people into positive activities such as football, rounders and archery.
Police say calls made by local residents about anti-social behaviour in and around the vicinity of the park dropped by 75% compared to the same period in the previous year; and fell by 83% compared to the previous three months.
The minister was greeted by representatives from the various agencies that work together across the borough in a co-ordinated effort to tackle anti-social behaviour. This particular area was identified as a hot spot for ASB by residents, who were consulted as part of PACT (Partners & Communities Together), a process by which officers carry out regular door to door consultation across local neighbourhoods.
As part of Operation Windburn, Wigan & Leisure Culture Trust delivered activities on consecutive Friday and Saturday evenings over the 12-week period, and there was also an increased police presence in the park, ensuring that those young people socialising and taking part in activities remained safe at all times. Additionally, by engaging with the young people, and building relationships, officers say they were able to identify issues around drugs and alcohol, and refer the youths to appropriate services.
During the weeks that the project ran, the duty gardener at the park reported fewer incidents, and local residents said the area was noticeably quieter. There was also a positive knock-on effect, with other neighbourhoods in the wider area reportedly experiencing fewer cases of anti-social behaviour than normal.
It is hoped that Operation Windburn will be rolled out this summer and plans are already being drawn up by partners to ensure that the park – currently undergoing a multi-million pound restoration – is accessible for all members of the community, particularly during the summer holidays.
After visiting Mesnes Park, Mr. Campbell met with officers from Wigan Neighbourhood Policing Team, Wigan Council’s Neighbourhood Team for Wigan North Township, Wigan & Leisure Culture Trust, Wigan & Leigh Housing, the Council’s Youth Offending Team and Young People’s services as well as Cabinet champion for Culture, Cllr Brian Baldwin and local ward member, Jean Peet, where he reiterated the importance of partnership working.
Mr. Campbell said:
“No one should be expected to suffer from anti-social behaviour and it is far better that we prevent it from happening in the first place rather than dealing with it after the event. Projects like Operation Windburn are key to doing this and don’t just benefit young people but the entire community as well.
“We will continue to support our local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour with projects like this. However, we have made it clear that when anti-social behaviour is happening we expect it to be tackled not tolerated with all the tools and powers at their disposal.”
Inspector Glenn Jones from Wigan Neighbourhood Policing Team says:
"In tackling youth-related anti-social behaviour, we adopt an approach that is not just about enforcement. This simply moves the problem onto another area. By working in partnership with other agencies, we are able to engage with the young people.
“They tell us they often feel a sense of alienation within their own community so projects such as Operation Windburn addresses that, giving them their own space and providing them with activities in safe surroundings where they aren’t at any risk and can socialise with their peers. During the three months the project ran, other areas surrounding Mesnes Park also reported a drop in anti-social behaviour, so it’s a win-win situation all round."
Cllr. Kevin Anderson, Wigan Council’s cabinet champion for neighbourhoods, says:
"The success of Operation Windburn lies 100% with the partners who signed up to it, and who worked together in a co-ordinated fashion to encourage young people to get involved in positive, healthy activities. It is a simple, but effective way of diverting young people who may potentially be tempted to get caught up in anti-social behaviour. And whatsmore, this kind of initiative gives local residents much needed peace of mind."
Local resident and member of Friends of Mesnes Park group, Sue Turner, also met with the Minister.
“The park is there for the entire community to enjoy. Those that abuse it, and intimidate other users, are depriving local people of this wonderful amenity. The Friends of Mesnes Park group have a vision for the park which sees it being used and enjoyed by all members of the community, with a programme of events open to everybody. Operation Windburn is a measure which helps us claim the park back for all.”
Operation Windburn is just one example of how partners are tackling a widespread problem that affects many communities across Wigan and further afield.
The popular X-Zones project, led by Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, encourages young people to get involved in sports, workshops and activities, and has made a significant difference to neighbourhoods where anti-social behaviour was perceived to be an issue.
Nowt2Do?, run by Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team, provides free sports activities and workshops to hundreds of kids across Atherton, Tyldesley, Mosley Common and Astley.
Likewise, the Council’s Youth Offending Team partners up with Greater Manchester Police on Operation Staysafe, a project which targets young people on a Friday night in areas identified by local residents. The team meet the young people early in the evening, confiscate alcohol, take them to a safe place and signpost them to positive activities.
To report anti-social behaviour, call: 01942 404364
For further information please contact: Cathie Peloe, Communications Officer, 01942 827694
