Locals launch street patrol in Failsworth to combat crime wave shaking the town
The Oldham town has been subject to a spate of home break-ins over the past few weeks, and residents have decided to form their very own safety team to protect their community.
Failsworth neighbours have banded together to form a ‘street patrol’ in an attempt to crack down on the rising crime in the area.
The Oldham town has been subject to a spate of home break-ins and burglaries over the past few weeks, and residents have decided to form their very own safety team in order to protect their community.
A fundraising campaign launched to kit out the volunteers already raked in over £1,000 – offering them essential supplies to watch over the neighbourhood effectively.
15 men and women have all signed on so far to participate in daily patrols – supported by a transit van (with 360-degree search lights CCTV on-board Wi-Fi) and dogs.
The group already has more than 2,000 followers on social media – with residents commending the work they’ve been doing to defend Failsworth.
“We do not approach anybody and we social distance at all times,” said a Failsworth Patrol representative.
“We are here to be a deterrent and prevent crime before it happens. We report directly to GMP should we feel the need too or if an offence has actually took place.
“What this means for Failsworth [is] fewer calls to GMP, less crime, figures drop, house prices rise and premiums drop.
Founder of the watch, Paul (his surname will remain confidential), says there has been a noticeable drop in crime since the patrols set foot on the streets.
“We had to start this as we know our emergency services are overstretched and in demand,” he stated.
“The whole community has backed the scheme asking if they can donate fuel and leave us snacks to keep us going.
“Since the start, we have noticed that there hasn’t been any incidents in the area and the community are feeling safe.”
Wikimedia Commons
Failsworth Street Patrol have emphasised that neighbours should always call the police if they are victims of crime, with the group set up to watch over people rather than enforce the law.
Reps stated: “…the idea is to deter potential offenders from the Failsworth area by making it known that people are out and about watching over the people and property, giving a greater chance of reporting crimes quickly and capture by the police.”
Failsworth Street Patrol are continuing to watch the roads whilst hoping to hit £5,000 in donations.
When they reach this target they can become a registered charity – which ‘will open up so many opportunities for [them] as a community.’
“We have a motto in Failsworth,” says founder Paul.
“True worth never fails.”
Learn more about the patrol team doing surveillance on Oldham streets by visiting their social media page.
News
Heartbreaking tributes paid to local couple who died following Lisbon funicular crash
Emily Sergeant
The families of a local couple who died in a fatal funicular crash in Lisbon have now paid heartbreaking tributes to them.
The British citizens, who have been named as 44-year-old William Nelson and 36-year-old Kayleigh Smith, lost their lives when a car of the iconic Ascensor da Glória – which was a funicular connecting Bairro Alto and Restauradores Square – derailed and crashed on last week on 3 September, resulting in a devastating 16 deaths and 23 injuries.
According to authorities, the car at the top of the hill was derailed, and sped ‘uncontrollably’ downhill before crashing into a building near the bottom.
An investigation into the incident was subsequently launched by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF) and Carris, which is Lisbon’s public transport operator.
An initial report by the GPIAAF stated that the cable connecting the two cabins of the Glória elevator broke at its attachment point to the top car, resulting in the crash.
It also stated that the brakeman, who was killed in the crash, had tried to apply the emergency brakes but without success.
Paying tribute to Kayleigh, a family friend said: “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative. She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a Master’s Degree.
“They both leave family and friends heartbroken.”
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a local couple who died following Lisbon funicular crash / Credit: Terry Kearney (via Flickr)
Will’s younger brother added in tribute: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt.
“This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s. He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him.
“He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always. Love you, rest in peace, you legend.”
Their families continue to ask that their privacy be respected during this tragic time.
Featured Image – Cheshire Police
News
André Onana is set to leave Manchester United on loan as early as next week
Danny Jones
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana is reportedly leaving the club as early as next week as he prepares to make a late move to mainland Europe.
It’s fair to characterise Onana‘s time at Old Trafford as fraught and divisive, to say the least, but now the Cameroonian keeper is set to leave Man United on loan for the rest of the season.
While most dealings had to be completed at the start of the month, Turkey’s own transfer window is still open for another few days, and now, the seemingly exiled shot-stopper is set to spend a potentially future-defining spell in the Süper Lig.
Preparing for his soon-to-be fully completed move to Trabzonspor, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states that he will complete the deal next week.
As detailed by Romano, the 29-year-old former Ajax number one – who arrived as one of the first key signings under Erik ten Hag – has personally agreed to the terms of the switch.
It is a little surprise too, as the journalist claims that Onana will earn more money overall, with the Turkish team set to fully cover his United salary, plus the signing fee and bonuses, taking the overall package beyond his base wage of £120,000 a week.
Although both clubs have agreed to a season-long loan, with Trabzonspor promising more than his normal pay packet has been at Old Trafford, there is no loan fee or obligation/option to buy included.
Safe to say that not all supporters will be exactly sad to see him go, as despite some good moments in the shirt (including besting both David de Gea and Peter Schmeichel’s penalty save ratio early doors), his tenure in Manchester has been less ‘Theatre of Dreams’ has been far from it.
So much so, in fact, that in response to the news of his imminent departure, a compilation of all his unforced errors thus far was quickly shared online:
Once his medical has been completed and the final Ts have been crossed, Onana will be one of several statement outgoings from Man United this summer, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Højlund all leaving the club in the last couple of months.
While only Garnacho’s was a direct sale, Onana’s is the only other one of these loan deals which doesn’t necessarily imply a permanent move away as yet.
Either way, the ever-controversial keeper willneedto make the next 12 months or so very impressive if he has any hopes of standing between the sticks for United again, especially with Altay Bayindir now quickly returning to the second string with the arrival of Senne Lammens.
What about you, Reds – are you sad to see him go, and do you think this time away could see him revive his Premier League career?
The Manc -
1st October 2020 
