Aiming to tackle the problem of tram yobs

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon met with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes yesterday, with Metrolink safety at the top of the agenda.

Together with Tony Lloyd MP, Liz McInnis MP, representatives for Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams, representatives from Oldham and Rochdale councils, the police and Transport for Greater Manchester, there were lengthy discussions about the ongoing public concerns surrounding safety on the Metrolink system, particularly in and around Oldham town centre.

There was an acknowledgement that the level of crime was not acceptable and in addition to the impact on victims, it was having a serious impact on public confidence.

The vast majority of people use the tram without any issues.

However, there is a real problem which crime and anti-social behaviour that needs addressing too.

Mr McMahon outlined the scale of the problems faced by local people including examples of attacks, robberies and anti-social behaviour.

Recently increased enforcement activity has taken place on the tram and the Oldham and Rochdale line has seen an increase in patrols.

Mr McMahon raised raised the following points on behalf of constituents:

- We need a high profile operation to rebuild public confidence.

- It must be a single plan which brings together all agencies including TfGM, GMP, the council’s community safety, street-lighting, youth services and community organisations.

- We need a community safety audit of every tram station and its immediate vicinity (beyond the station platform).

- Patrols are needed beyond the tram itself and must include the areas around the tram stations by officers with the power of arrest.

- We need to urgently address the lack of positive activities for young people gathering. They are likely to be a victim as much as part of the problem.

- To deal with magnets attracting groups to particular locations. This includes the bridge under the Hollinwood station, Coalshaw Green Park, Hartford Mill, former Westwood Medical Centre and vacant Town Centre buildings including the Prudential Building.

This would include patrols and positive engagement of young people.

- The need to review the design and use of stations to make the public feel safer. This would include extending contactless payments on the tram rather than the need to use the platform payment machine which can make people feel vulnerable. I also raised again placing a live information board at pavement level so those being dropped off can judge when to go into the platform for the approaching tram.

- The need for a review of the night-time economy strategy for the town centre which would involve licensed premises, CCTV, street lighting, transport etc.

- We need to look at crime beyond the platforms but related to the network and town centre. This will give a more accurate picture of reported crime.

Mr McMahon also suggested that a coordinated response was urgent.

He said: “The vast majority of people use the tram without any issues.

"However, we must acknowledge that there is a real problem which crime and anti-social behaviour that needs addressing too.

“I welcome the Mayor’s firm stance that tackling this issue must be a priority.

“We agreed to pull together a plan and reconvene in September.

"In the meantime I’ve agreed to put my points in writing and I will use this to highlight the impact on constituents who have been the victim of an attack.”

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