Proactively Tackling Antisocial Behaviour

Inspector Smith, James Grundy MP and local business owners discussing ASB.

Leigh Means Business CIC has taken a proactive approach to tackle the issue of antisocial behaviour in the town centre of Leigh, Greater Manchester. One of the more pressing issues has been young people illegally climbing up onto rooftops, posing a potential danger to themselves and others.

£10,000s worth of damage has been caused, mainly to rooftops, leading to businesses being flooded and unable to open.

To address this issue, the organization has collaborated with the Greater Manchester Police and the local MP, bringing together local businesses along Bradshawgate to create a united front.

The success of the initiative is a testament to the power of community-driven action in addressing local issues. By combining efforts, the group has achieved significant results in reducing the occurrence of antisocial behaviour in the area. This collaboration has enabled a coordinated effort that tackles the root cause of antisocial behaviour.

The initiative focused on preventing young people from climbing onto rooftops. To achieve this, the group launched a targeted education campaign to raise awareness of the issue among local businesses.

The ginnel being resurfaced by local business, Admiral Casino

Physical measures were also implemented, such as the installation of CCTV cameras, increased lighting in the area and anti-climbing paint, representing £1,000s of investment by local businesses. These measures make it more difficult for young people to climb onto rooftops undetected, reducing the likelihood of such behaviour occurring in the first place.

Local businesses played a crucial role in the initiative by reporting any instances of young people climbing onto rooftops to the police. The collaborative effort of businesses, the Greater Manchester Police, and Leigh Means Business has led to a significant reduction in the occurrence of antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

The impact of the initiative has been substantial, with a 15% reduction in crime in the town centre and 50% fewer recorded instances of antisocial behaviour compared to the previous year. This success is due in part to the additional 19,000 police hours spent on patrol in the town centre and the reduction has seen a 90% call-out rate in front of McDonald's on Bradshawgate, which has been an area of particular concern.

Moreover, the initiative has created a sense of community spirit among local businesses, promoting a shared sense of purpose and a more supportive environment. This sense of community has positive implications beyond the scope of the initiative, fostering a more cohesive and safer local community.