In an unprecedented move, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have implemented a first-of-its-kind closure order across the entire Freehold estate in Rochdale. The groundbreaking measure, which came into effect on Monday, November 4th, 2024, restricts access to the estate’s open spaces, stairwells, and bridges for non-residents in an effort to combat rampant crime and antisocial behavior.
The Freehold estate, built in the 1960s, has long been plagued by issues of drug dealing, intimidation, and poor living conditions. These problems were thrust into the national spotlight following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who passed away after exposure to mould in his home on the estate. The case sparked widespread scrutiny of the estate’s management and maintenance.
Innovative Policing Strategy
GMP’s decision to implement the closure order is part of their “Clear, Hold, Build” strategy, which aims to rid areas of criminal activity and create safer, more prosperous communities. Inspector Meena Yasin of GMP described the order as a “revolutionary way” of utilizing existing legislation to empower police to swiftly remove those engaging in criminal behavior on the estate.
“This new order should dramatically reduce crime and antisocial behavior 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.”
– Inspector Meena Yasin, Greater Manchester Police
Under the order, which will remain in force for three months, anyone found loitering in the estate’s communal areas without a valid reason faces arrest. The measure applies to all 19 blocks of flats on the estate, covering an area of 376 properties.
Community Consultation and Enforcement
The decision to implement the closure order followed extensive consultation with residents, who have long complained of feeling unsafe and intimidated in their own homes. GMP state that they spent “hours and hours” engaging with the community to understand their concerns and develop an effective response.
In the lead-up to the order’s implementation, police made 40 arrests on the estate and seized significant quantities of drugs, weapons, and cash. The force has pledged to maintain a visible presence on the estate to enforce the order and deter criminal activity.
Balancing Restrictions and Residents’ Rights
While the closure order represents a significant step in tackling crime on the Freehold estate, some have raised concerns about its potential impact on residents’ freedoms. GMP have sought to allay these fears, emphasizing that the order will not negatively affect residents or their lawful visitors.
“The closure order is specifically targeted at those who have no legitimate reason to be on the estate. Residents and their guests will be able to go about their daily lives as normal.”
– A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson
The police have also stressed that the closure order is just one part of a broader strategy to improve life on the Freehold estate. They are working closely with the estate’s management, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, to address issues around maintenance, security, and community engagement.
A Test Case for Tackling Estate Crime?
The implementation of such an extensive closure order on a residential estate is uncharted territory for UK policing. If successful in reducing crime and antisocial behavior on the Freehold estate, it could serve as a model for similar interventions in other areas blighted by such issues.
However, critics argue that while such measures may provide short-term relief, they fail to address the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime and disorder in deprived communities. They call for greater investment in education, employment opportunities, and community services to create lasting change.
As the closure order on the Freehold estate comes into force, all eyes will be on Rochdale to see if this innovative approach to policing can deliver the safer, more harmonious community that residents so desperately desire. Only time will tell if it proves to be a sustainable solution or merely a temporary reprieve from the estate’s deep-rooted challenges.
