Police hail clean-up op a sucess (From Warrington Guardian)

Police hail clean-up op a sucess

POLICE inspector Amanda Davies is hailing Operation Clean-Up in Biddulph as a major success.

Police teamed up with DVLA, crime prevention and education welfare officers in a crackdown on drug dealers, car tax cheats and truants.

More than 50 officers from various agencies took part in the swoop, which resulted in a number of arrests for drugs offences.

Thursday's day-long initiative focused on the Biddulph East estate, and involved dawn raids on addresses and an arrest for heroin possession.

DVLA officials seized six untaxed vehicles, and issued on the spot £200 fines to the owners of a further five untaxed cars.

Trading standards officers are carrying out an investigation into the alleged off-licence sale of alcohol to an under-age customer.

Education welfare officers made 13 home visits, and returned five youngsters to school.

More than 90 bags of rubbish was collected from the streets, including 21 by children from local schools Biddulph High, Knypersley First, Park Middle and Squirrel Hayes First.

The total included 25 collected by offenders from land off Springfield Road.

Environmental health officers conducted litter picks on 21 streets, repaired bus shelters, cleared graffiti and removed abandoned cars.

"The event has been a huge success," said Insp Davies.

"Many agencies have pulled together for this operation to happen, and their commitment has been tremendous.

"I hope residents are pleased with the results, and throughout the event we promoted the Crimestoppers information.

"This is a concerted push as a means to help residents claim back their estate."