Passport to peace

Final Passport to Summer eventa at The Gallery, Oldham, Meninos do Oldham entertain.

OLDHAM’S Passport to Summer project has been hailed a success with incidents of anti-social behaviour slashed by up to a half.

More than 1,000 fun-filled events for young people were run between July and September in what is thought to be the biggest programme of its kind in the North-West.

And the efforts have been rewarded with figures revealing a 27 per cent drop in reported anti-social behaviour across Oldham compared with the summer holiday period in 2008.

The biggest reduction was seen in the Medlock Vale, Waterhead and Chadderton wards where anti-social behaviour was halved.

The scheme was run by Oldham Council in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Groundwork, Integrated Youth the Countryside Service and many other organisations.

Statistics from Oldham Police show that the number of reported incidents of trouble, nuisance and noise caused by youths fell by 437 to 1,175, with reductions across each neighbourhood. Each district offered arts and crafts, sports events and even talent shows plus opportunities to learn new skills such as cooking, life-saving and beauty skills for young people aged eight to 20.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community cervices, said: “Passport to Summer has been an unprecedented success and a watershed in our approach to providing summer activities for youngsters.

“I would like to praise all those partnership organisations — of which there are too many to mention — for their ambition and shared vision in delivering this.”

Chief Supt Caroline Ball, Oldham’s divisional commander, said: “Passport to Summer has been a real success and an excellent example of what partnership working can achieve.

“Our officers work hard with Oldham Council’s Community Safety Services, the Positive Steps youth team and other agencies to reduce crime and disorder and help make Oldham’s streets and neighbourhoods safer and better places to live and work.”

The programme’s finale was held at Gallery Oldham on Sunday where activities included live music, freestyle football, BMX bikes, skateboarding and a youth bus.

A film chronicling the summer programme, shot and compiled by talented members of Oldham’s Youth Council, was also premiered.