Kids in need of policing
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Clean Streets
News Feature by Herbert Nesquick February 2005
We always love the run-up period to the elections, not because anything actually gets done to improve things - let's face it, the seats here are so safe that it's scarcely worth bothering - but because the finer points of electioneering can be so entertaining. You need look no further than the recent spat between Labour and the Lib Dems to see what I mean.
This time round though, I'm delighted. We're seeing a twofold increase in the number of reasons why Northenden's streets are safer than ever. Last year saw changes in local policing leading to the introduction of two new local police inspectors, one of whom is based in the village. There is now a clear, well publicised agenda on tackling crime in the area. February 2005, for example, will see a firm crackdown on illegal motorbikes in the area, and we hope, joyriding. Northenden.net can reveal that both of the above offences are proving particularly troublesome to residents in the Kenworthy and Yew Tree Lane areas (on both sides of Princess Parkway), with the whole area becoming a haven for unlicensed youths driving illegally in untaxed, and often stolen vehicles. Most of the residents know exactly who is involved but until now the police have been powerless unless they witness the crimes taking place. This is now set to change with increased numbers of cops on the street.
Introducing more police in Northenden has raised a few eyebrows, particularly as the police station was built at the centre of what was once viewed as a trouble hotspot within a stones throw of most of Northenden's pubs. This hotspot is now getting cold, with two of the pubs already closed, and a third to follow if property developers get their way. As such, locals are questioning the wisdom of policing the area more heavily. This is strenuously refuted and it is alleged that lots of kids are in need of policing outside the chippy. Stats also show that crime in the area is on the increase with the vicar's bike a popular target.
Spreading the news - The Rose
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Whilst on the subject of safer streets, Over the years, the state of our roads and pavements has been the subject of endless discussion and quite frankly, I'm getting sick of thinking and talking about it. Ever since my salvo of complaints about the footpath surfaces on Kenworthy Lane - answered by a couple of contractors turning up one afternoon and slapping a thin layer of tarmac over the paving stones - I just haven't been able to muster the enthusiasm. This week though, I was passed a free leaflet produced by the Northenden Labour Club, concerning the state of the pavements in Northern Moor and recent work which has taken place to improve their condition. I went straight over to Northern Moor to check it out for myself. Labour's leaflet (pictured here) was self congratulatory but I was so impressed that I've written to the council asking when they're going to sort my pavements out too.
Here we see the results achieved so far. On the left, we see the original pavement. It is made of heavy stone paving slabs which I am told have been in place for over 40 years. Not only does this mean that the pedestrian surface is made up of hundreds of individual pieces but constant disruption by utility companies and cable television mean that the pavement is persistently lifted and re-layed, with no improvement in the surface. Time, you will agree, for a change.
The new surface (right) is a different story. It's state-of-the-art tarmac - the benefits are easy to see. Easy to dig up and re-lay, no cracks between stones and it looks great. No contest!
Original Pavement - a disgrace
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New surface - a vast improvement
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