Multi-agency enforcement teams are out across Tameside today (Tuesday) and this evening on an operation to tackle town centre anti-social behaviour.

Tameside Council, Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces for the day of action, which will also focus on firework sales and safety, flytipping, taxi safety and support for rough sleepers.

The joint operation aims to highlight the ongoing, partnership and proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and other community safety, business compliance and waste enforcement issues.

It includes a highly visible enforcement presence in town centres where concerns have been raised over anti-social behaviour from a minority of individuals. Officers are talking to gatherings of groups as well as shoppers and traders about any concerns.

There are also joint enforcement team visits and spot checks to premises such as shops selling fireworks as well as checks on taxis and private hire cabs.

Teams are out tackling and investigating flytipping and the homelessness outreach teams are out to seek out any rough sleepers they are not already supporting to offer help.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Brenda Warrington said: “This work to tackle community safety and public protection issues takes place all the time, day in, day out. However the day of action aims to put the spotlight on this work as well as highlight our partnership approach to supporting the community and zero tolerance attitude to those who put the safety of others at risk.”

Lee Broadstock, Chief Inspector of Neighbourhoods in GMP's Tameside team, said: “Safety in our town centres is an important focus for our neighbourhood teams and the community safety partnership. We want people who work, shop, socialise, learn and live in our town centres in Tameside to feel safe and this partnership day of action strengthens our commitment to prevent and reduce crime, harm and anti-social behaviour in our public spaces.”

Robert Cousen, Chief Superintendent, GMP Tameside, said: “The partnership approach to community safety that is taking place in the form of our day of action and ongoing as part of the seasonal Halloween and Bonfire night period shows our commitment to Neighbourhood policing here in Tameside. As your district commander I assure you we will reduce the harm that is caused by anti-social behaviour and we will do this through an effective partnership approach in order to keep people safe.”

Billy Fenwick, GMFRS Group Manager for Stockport and Tameside, said: “Over the last few years our firefighters have been called out to hoaxes, deliberate fires and have even come under attack while trying to keep people safe. This is bang out of order and will not be tolerated.

“In the run up to Bonfire Night we are working with the council, police and other partners across Tameside to keep our communities safe and encourage people to think before they act.”

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