New CCTV cameras aimed at improving people’s safety and confidence levels have gone live

Oldham Council has installed 51 CCTV cameras at locations around five Metrolink stops to help passengers and residents feel safer and more confident. 

The new cameras will provide improved images and wider coverage, not only of the platforms, but also of the access points to and from them, including some of the harder to see areas.

The cameras were paid for through Greater Manchester’s Safer Streets funding and is part of the city-region’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy which was launched by the Mayor of Greater Manchester last September.

The new equipment is managed by the council and has been put in place in areas around the tram stops from Freehold to Oldham Mumps.

Oldham Council Leader Amanda Chadderton said: “The council, and our partners, are committed to keeping residents and visitors to the borough safe.

“Public safety is an issue for everyone – no one should feel at risk when they are out and about.

"Members of the Youth Council recently spoke about it at Full Council and highlighted the issue, so it shows this issue is important to all ages.

“Hopefully these cameras, and other schemes we’ve introduced, will reassure residents that we are listening and taking action.

“We want people to feel confident and safe.

“These new CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent and if an incident happens, the footage will be used to identify those responsible so action can be taken against them.”

Tom Penketh, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament, said: “These new cameras are one step forward in creating safer areas for people.

“CCTV around the tram stops will help people feel safer knowing they can be seen at all times especially in the dark surrounding areas.

"This is great progress in working towards safer streets.”

Amour Lindo-Crooks, a youth councillor, said: “I feel this is absolutely amazing news purely because I feel they listened to our voices as youths, and this will allow us to feel a lot safer in and out of our local community.”

The cameras are the latest initiative the council has introduced to help people feel safe when using the tram network.

Back in November our Youth Service and Oldham Street Angels launched Trusted People.

Staff and volunteers are riding on trams and visiting stops, and the areas around them, talking with residents of all ages.

The teams are offering a friendly face around the Oldham tram stops in case residents are feeling uneasy.

Funding for Trusted People was also provided via GMCA.

The Safer Streets campaign recently won the Transforming and Innovating Public Services Award at the iNetwork Innovation Awards

The awards recognise how local public service organisations are delivering more innovative, high quality and cost-effective services for residents.

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