Neil Wilby Media

Despite its well-rehearsed difficulties as a functioning, effective police force over the past decade, including an extended period in Home Office ‘Special Measures’, one aspect of its operations has remained above average: The output from its communications team, often in very difficult circumstances, is, generally, well measured and presented.

Even more so, with its positive messages presenting the force’s front line officers in a good light and keeping the public informed on initiatives, operations and partner working.

So, a GMP press release last weekend that appeared to fall squarely into those parameters shouldn’t have aroused too much curiosity:

“Yesterday (Friday 7th July, 2023), officers from GMP’s Saddleworth and Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team came together with partner agencies to work to keep the Dovestones area of Oldham a safer place this summer.

“The beauty of Dovestones attracts thousands of visitors over summer who want to enjoy the serenity of the area.

“During the morning, officers spoke to members of the public about anti-social behaviour (ASB), raising awareness of this issue and giving advice on what the public can do to support police in tackling it.

“Colleagues from Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service showed officers how to safely use the Perry Throw Line to assist those who have got into difficulty in the water to safety.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hutchinson of GMP’s Oldham District said: “We continue to try and make Dovestones a safer place. During ASB awareness week, we wanted to highlight the issues we are seeing, and what also what public can do to help us reduce anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to use this opportunity to remind members of the public that there is a Public Space Protection Order in place at Saddleworth Moor – meaning it is a criminal offence to start fires in the area, including BBQs. A breach of the order can result in a £1000 fine.

“I ask members of the public who frequent in the area and residents who live surrounding it to report anyone they suspect of planning and illegal BBQ or committing any other crime.

“Another issue we face during the warm weather here at Dovestones is with people jumping into the water, this is extremely dangerous behaviour and can result in serious injury and can, in some cases, cause fatal accidents.

“We are working with partner agencies and local authorities to do all we can to keep our community and also those visiting the area stay safe and to ensure we remain engaged with our communities, we will always be here to answer any of your concerns.

“Officers, not just in the Saddleworth and Lees area, but across Oldham have provided support and reassurance to the community during ASB awareness week.

“Our aim is to engage with as many people as possible, to reassure them that we are doing everything we can do to keep them and their communities safe.

“We are working with our partners to tackle ASB. If you are suffering the consequences of other people’s actions, please report it to us via the dedicated link on our website or through our LiveChat function: https://www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb/report-antisocial-behaviour/ Always call 999 in an emergency”.

But something didn’t sit quite right with Neil Wilby Media – there was no press call, no public meeting and no other partners visible, especially Saddleworth’s elected representatives, except the always excellent OMRT and GMFRS, and that was sufficient cause for further enquiries to be made.

In response to that journalistic probing, Cllr Helen Bishop (Liberal Democrat, Saddleworth South), provided this statement:

“Since being elected, I’ve met with United Utilities, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council regarding the ongoing issues at Dovestones. I’ve told them all that residents were still facing unacceptable difficulties just simply trying leave and come back to their homes. Also, with the access for emergency vehicles.

“Positively, OMBC has committed an extra £6k of match funding to help continue the marshall scheme throughout the summer, and for the marshalls to start earlier in the day, to prevent the situation from escalating before they even start which so far seems to have made a real difference,

“OMBC also listened to my request for clearer signage regarding two way traffic around the car park and the entrance to Bradbury Lane, improve the layout and refresh double yellow lines where necessary. Hopefully this will not take too long to implement.”

Cllr Bishop continued: ”I’m still waiting to see what United Utilities can bring to the table. As for GMP’s event at the weekend, despite their claims of community engagement, people who live there weren’t told of the visit in advance nor were they invited to meet the GMP team to tell them of their predicament. I just hope that this really is the start of a proper focus from GMP, rather than more lip service”.

The other two local councillors for Saddleworth South, Cllrs Graham Sheldon and Max Woodvine, both  Conservatives, were also contacted for comment but did not respond.

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Page last updated: Tuesday 11th July, 2023 at 06h25

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Picture credit: Oldham Council

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