Police secure first first Open Space Closure Order Zone for Rochdale estate

Greater Manchester Police has secured its first Open Space Closure Order Zone in Rochdale, in what they describe as a "revolutionary way of using existing legislation to protect our communities in the place they call home."

The force is using innovative powers to manage drug dealing and reduce anti-social behaviour in the Freehold neighbourhood, by closing off 19 blocks of flats to non-residents.

By utilising legislation to implement an Open Space Closure Order Zone, the order prohibits non-residents from congregating in stairwells, on landings, bridges and near bin chutes, and within open spaces attached to properties – all the issues which our community told us were affecting them the most. It will be in force from today (November 4th) and will last for three months.

When Operation Affect first launched in December 2023, one of the main concerns of residents was the incessant drug dealing and gatherings in the stairwells and the intimidation they faced when getting to their home. Enough was enough, and after hours of consultation with the local community and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, we launched the multi-agency ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ operation to create a real difference in the area.

GMP have targeted prolific offenders, drug dealers, and those intent on causing serious harm in the area, exploiting the most vulnerable. To date 40 arrests have been made, whilst 10 warrants have been executed, as well as seized caches of drugs, cash, and weapons.

Following police interventions, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has followed through with injunctions, termination of tenancies, and mandatory re-possessions.  

Inspector Meena Yasin, who leads Operation Affect, said: “This is the first Open Space Closure Order Zone secured by Greater Manchester Police and is a revolutionary way of using existing legislation to protect our communities in the place they call home. The Order allows us to target the stairwells and open spaces in a way that will support cohesion. It will help hundreds of residents and help our partner agencies in the ‘hold’ and ‘build’ phases.

“This new order should dramatically reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the Freehold area because if we identify people who are entering the neighbourhood without permission or to commit crime, we can arrest and remove them, creating a safer environment for our residents.

“I hope this demonstrates to the community just how committed we are to their safety. We hear their concerns, and we will use all powers and policies available to achieve our common goal of keeping Freehold a safe and welcoming neighbourhood.

“As well as pursuing criminals and removing nuisance people from the estate, we are working closely with the local children and their families to understand what they want to see from police, but also create trusted relationships with them so that we can better support the communities that we serve, all of which is complimented by working with our partner agencies to support people in diversionary activities and helping those in need."

Patrols have been increased, whilst there is significant investment taking place including the green spaces, the leisure facilities on site, CCTV, and better security options to make residents feel safer.

Hayley Stockham, RBH Director of Neighbourhood Services, added: “We continue to be fully committed to improving our communities, and a crucial part of this is having zero tolerance for crime and anti-social behaviour.

"We're pleased to be able to work closely with our partners, including Greater Manchester Police, to tackle organised crime and make our communities safer.

"We know that there is crime and criminal behaviour taking place in the stairwells and communal areas at Freehold, and these new powers will help to tackle this criminal activity and help us to meet our goal of making sure Freehold is a safe neighbourhood that our customers are proud to call home.”

This new closure order will not negatively impact the day-to-day activities of residents, who will still be able to go about their daily activities with friends, families, and visitors. It just means that police will be able to more effectively remove criminals who are loitering in the stairwells or public spaces, committing crimes or anti-social behaviour.