Market site flashpoint

PACKING up . . . workmen clear the former Shaw market site

A GROUP of youths have assaulted a security guard patrolling the former Shaw market site, prompting fears of escalating trouble.

Shaw has suffered from a number of anti-social problems over recent years.

The latest incidents have led to fresh condemnation from police and councillors, who say local youths appeared to ignore their warnings to leave the scene.

A security guard was deployed following a previous incident but then fresh trouble arose ­-which the authorities have described as "atrocious".

When fencing was pulled down around the site on Monday night, youths trespassed on to the land, which then led to security being stepped up on Tuesday night.

But when the security guard was on duty, police say he was assaulted by youths complaining that they have lost a space to meet each other.

The youths then started throwing objects, one of which was a broom, which hit the security guard on the shoulder.

In a joint statement, Shaw and Crompton councillors said: "The young people said they were protesting about the demolition of the market, because it was their 'chill space'.

"However, because of anti-social behaviour, not just by these young people on the market, the site needs to be cleared so that those living in Shaw centre are not frightened to go out at night.

"All six Shaw and Crompton councillors have requested a co-ordinated approach to this, so that we can stop these young people from acting in this atrocious manner and ensure the safety of the residents and the security guard on site.

"This has been happening for years, but each year the young people's behaviour has become more anti-social."

Police attended the scene after a report of anti-social behaviour at around 7.30pm where they tried to diffuse the situation.

They warned the children that they would be complicit in a crime if they did not ring the police, tell the others to stop or walk away. However, the group did not take the message on board.

Councillor Rod Blyth was returning home at 8.45pm when he saw a police officer speaking with youths who did not disperse and were still congregating on Kershaw Street and Westway when the officer left.

At about 9pm the situation escalated and Councillor Blyth called police again along with his colleagues.

Councillors Dave Murphy and Diane Williamson attend at 9.30pm where they witnessed the youths being dragged back to a police car with one being put inside.

It took a couple of hours to calm down with the councillors calling First Response ­- the council's emergency team ­- for assistance.

The police, PCSOs, the council and the Detached Youth Team will be out at night patrolling the area and a dispersal order has been drawn up which covers the area between Rochdale Road, Crompton Way, Market Street and Greenfield Lane.

Councillors want a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and were due to discuss the matter at a meeting today.

No arrests were made during the incident as police helped to restore calm.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "We received a report at about 7.30pm relating to anti-social behaviour at the former market site in Shaw.

"There was a group of 14 to 15-year-olds causing anti-social behaviour in the area.

"One of the security officers was hit with a broom, we haven't arrested anyone, we attended the scene to diffuse the situation."

Anyone who witnesses anything around the market site is urged to call police on 101.