Partnership aims to make villages as safe as houses (From Warrington Guardian)

Partnership aims to make villages as safe as houses

A NEW partnership has been set up between Cheshire Police and a housing firm in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in Birchwood and Oakwood.

The joint venture between Risley Community Action Team (CAT) and Harvest Housing Group aims to deal with anti-social and criminal behaviour.

CAT officers have joined forces with the Manchester and District (M and D) branch of the group to take action against callous offenders.

The move comes on the back of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order given out in Birchwood last month that restricted the movements of a troublesome teenager.

Steve Dodd, Risley CAT officer, said: "Residents will be able to contact M and D representatives if they have a problem that needs resolving and Risley CAT will be advised of the more serious issues that require police involvement."

Paul Heaton, housing manager at M and D Housing Association, added: "M and D is committed to reducing anti-social behaviour in the Birchwood area.

"We feel that, in partnership with Cheshire Police, the provision of a weekly police surgery will help to combat nuisance problems and improve the quality of life for residents."

Letters are being sent out to residents this week highlighting the aim of the new partnership and detailing a new weekly surgery.

The surgeries will be held on Friday afternoons, between 1pm and 3pm, at the M and D offices at 25 Benson Road, Birchwood.

The first police surgery will take place tomorrow, Friday.

Anyone with information about crime can contact Cheshire Police on 01244 350 000 or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.