A SUCCESSFUL crackdown campaign against drugs and anti-social behaviour has been relaunched by police as they aim to keep Saddleworth streets safe.
‘Ze
ro Zone’ was first launched last November and centered on Uppermill, aiming to reduce drug use and drunken behaviour that has accompanied the village’s booming night trade.
Now, after a successful 12 months, the scheme is being relaunched on the High Street as well as expanded across Saddleworth’s villages in the run up to Christmas.
Police, local licensees, councillors, community leaders and residents gathered at the Museum car park in Uppermill to hear about the progress of the scheme.
PC Lee Cullen said: “Last year we had quite a lot of issues with drunken behaviour and assaults in Uppermill as a result of the busy night life.
“I can say without a doubt that Zero Zone has had a massive impact and made a huge difference to the behaviour of people in Uppermill.
“Uppermill has turned a corner now with regards to anti-social behaviour and drunkenness on the high street and it is almost eradicated.
“That’s due to the police having a presence but also the partnership and support of the local licensees, councillors and the community.
“We are pleased to launch Zero Zone again, especially at this time of year with Christmas approaching, to help keep the area free of anti-social behaviour.
“Our aim is to provide a safe environment for our local community who live and work in Uppermill and also to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate drug and ASB related incidents.
“We’ve had great success with the scheme over the last 12 months and we want to keep that momentum going.”
PC Cullen added: “We’re also launching the scheme in Lees as that is another busy high street.”
The campaign is supported by visual aids such as ‘Zero Zone’ signs and window stickers at establishments while bar staff will wear wrist bands highlighting the initiative.
