Gorton residents take on DIY clean-up challenge
22 July 2008
Residents in Gorton South are being offered non-toxic kits to help them keep their community free from graffiti.
The idea is to encourage residents to show a pride in the area and the kits will be handed out as part of Gorton South Respect week which is running this week (21 to 27 July 2008).
The kits are quick and easy to use and will mean residents can get rid of graffiti as soon as it appears.
Manchester City Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Jim Battle said: "Research shows that if graffiti is removed quickly the site is less likely to be targeted again. This is an easy, simple way residents can take control and make a real difference to their community."
Alongside the graffiti kit giveaway there will be high visibility joint patrols with housing wardens, police officers and pcsos. Officers will also visit residents to offer advice on keeping themselves and their homes safe and there will be additional activities for young people.
Throughout last summer and into the new year the City Council, Greater Manchester Police and other partners worked together with communities across the city during a series of Respect Action Weeks to tackle anti social behaviour and low-level crime. The approach was such a success - in some areas crime fell as much as fifty per cent compared to the same week the year before - that it has now been adopted as a preferred way of working.
Respect Action Days, weeks and evenings are being organised across Manchester to focus on specific issues raised by residents. There have already been respect activities in Harpurhey, Brookdale Park, Crumpsall,Cheetham, Beswick, Newton Heath, Collyhurst and Brooklands.
For further information and advice about the graffiti kits and the respect action week activities contact: Heather Kingdom, Community Safety Co-ordinator, Manchester Crime & Disorder Team, Manchester Metropolitan Division, Gorton Police Station, Garratt Way, Gorton, Manchester Tel: 0161 856 1377
Media contact:
Sally Wheatman, Press Officer, Tel: 0161 234 4045
