PEOPLE determined to make sure the area in which they live does not become crime-ridden have taken action by establishing a new Homewatch group.
Concerns that offences and reported offences were going up forced residents to do something themselves rather than constantly call the police.
Now the Roker Park Estate Homewatch group is forming the first line of defence against anyone looking to break the law in an area of Audenshaw.
What is described as a ‘stellar’ turnout of people attended a meeting at the Hanging Gate pub to discuss terms of the new group.
It was agreed it would cover the area from Groby Road and Delta Road to Stamford Road, Kenton Close, Balmoral, Drive and Sandringham Avenue going one way and Audenshaw Road to Oakwood Avenue and Boothcote going the other way.
A link through WhatsApp has also been created, meaning reports and information can be shared across the area.
Roker Park Homewatch is the latest group to be established in Audenshaw – the one operating in the Kings Grange area is among those highlighted by three councillors, Oliver Ryan, Charlotte Martin and Teresa Smith.
They said: “The first meeting was a great success with a stellar turnout and a committee elected.
“This really is the community fighting back through common strength and vigilance and by organising better communication with each other and our local police.
“We know this has worked well in other parts of Audenshaw like Kings Road, Boothdale and elsewhere and we’re delighted Roker Park/Stamford Road residents are taking these positive steps.
“We can’t praise these residents enough. It’s awful what they’ve been through as we’ve seen a bit if a crime spike.
“This isn’t about politics, for us it’s about our community.
“We know the police can’t do everything but as local councillors we care about Audenshaw and as ever we’re always happy to help our residents to improve our community.”