Manchester help and advice centre first in country

Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and health professionals are launching a walk-in advice centre for people visiting the city – the first of its kind in the country.

The centre - an inflatable air shelter - will be located next to Urbis tonight and Saturday night.

The centre is one of a number of measures in place as part of the City Centre Respect Action Week. During the week, which began on Monday (10 December) the council, police, fire service and other partners are working alongside residents to help tackle low-level crime and anti social behaviour.

Visitors calling into the centre will be able to get advice on bus times, taxi ranks and crime prevention. First aiders will also be there to deal with minor injuries.

Manchester City Council deputy leader, Councillor Jim Battle said: "Throughout the Respect Action Week we've been working with our partners and residents to make the city centre an even safer place in which to live, work or visit.

"Our officers have been operating joint patrols with police officers and PCSO's. We've been handing out crime prevention and personal safety advice and the walk-in centre will complement that work."

City Centre Inspector Nicky Porter said: "This unique walk-in centre has added a further angle to what is proving to be a very exciting and action packed Respect Action Week. We are working around the clock to sweep crime off the city's streets and we're lucky to have the shelter here for support."

The advice centre will be open from 9pm tonight until 5am on Saturday morning and from 9pm on Saturday evening until 5am on Sunday morning.

Media contact:

Sally Wheatman, tel: 0161 234 4045