Venture good for kids and for town

PC LEE Cullen, left, receives his police commendation from DCC Ian Pilling

A VISIONARY police officer who has helped drastically reduce anti-social behaviour in Failsworth has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

PC Lee Cullen was recently given GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins' commendation for his hard work in youth engagement.

Held in Failsworth Town Hall every Friday evening, the Failsworth Youth Zone sees police officers working in partnership with youth workers from Oldham Council and dedicated staff from Mahdlo (Oldham Youth Zone), to provide a safe place for young people to visit in the evenings.

Speaking about his nomination, father-of-two PC Cullen, 49, said: "I'm flabbergasted! I'm thrilled. I'm Oldham born and bred. I'm Oldham through and through.

"I've been a police officer for 25 years.

"It's not just a job, it's a vocation. I wanted to do something for the community."

PC Cullen set up the youth zone in January 2015.

He then got help and support from Mahdlo, who took over the running last summer and have continued to provide a safe and fun place, with DJs, artists and other entertainment every week.

The area was known for high levels of anti-social behaviour, which has now drastically reduced.

"The results speak for themselves," said PC Cullen. "We went from 20-25 calls on a weekend to, at times, zero incidents whatsoever.

"It has been a really successful venture."

He said children from Blackley, Moston and inner city Manchester have been known to travel in to Failsworth, where they will get all the usual youth services, including counselling and advice on sex education and drugs awareness.

"It was a team effort to get it off the ground," said PC Cullen. "On the first night, we had 120 kids. Let's say they were energetic kids and quite challenging.

"But you should have seen them, they were respectful.

"I didn't want to go home at night. There was such a good buzz about the place.

"By last July, the place was flying.

"Throughout the summer, it has been absolutely fabulous."