Oktoberfest fears as anti-social behaviour continues in town centre

Concerns have been raised about this weekend’s Oktoberfest celebrations as large groups of youths returned to Middleton town centre last night.

It follows anti-social behaviour over the weekend in which e-bikes and scooters were being ridden illegally, fireworks were set off, and groups of young people wearing balaclavas were intimidating people in the town centre.

The ongoing issues led to police introducing dispersal orders for the town centre.

Rachel Kennedy shared on Facebook: “I have just walked through Middleton gardens and it’s an absolute disgrace.

“The lack of disrespect and the level of abuse we have just experienced is disgraceful.”

Keith Bennington added: “Fireworks were being set off at 5pm outside the Arndale. I had two run out in front of my car on Tesco car park on Friday night too.”

Cllr Lee Wolf

Middleton Labour group posted: “Scenes of large groups of youths wearing balaclavas riding around on bikes, intimidating people and firing fireworks cannot continue and must stop.

“From our multiple meetings, we have learnt that the police heavily go off reporting statics when allocating resources to towns. We therefore urge all residents to report crime and ASB every time you see it, via 101 or online. If the crime is happening now, if anyone is in danger or fireworks are being fired by children, you must dial 999.”

On Sunday, Cllr Lee Wolf shared: “Our town cannot become a no-go zone for residents. We need immediate action taken to disperse these groups and an increased police presence on our streets.”

Last night, he added: “I’ve been out in the town centre this evening for a quick trip to drop off a parcel and grab a few things in Tesco, and I witnessed massive crowds of young people, roughly 200 to 300, being moved on from the gardens by the police.

“First, I want to pass on a huge thank you to the local police officers on duty tonight. I spent some time speaking with them to express our genuine appreciation for their hard work under very stretched circumstances.

“However, it is increasingly clear that dispersal orders alone are not solving the core issue. Moving these groups along often just pushes the problem into Tesco, causing disruption for shoppers and staff, while large crowds spill across the Assheton Roundabout, creating severe hazards for drivers.

“To make matters worse, two moped riders were weaving dangerously through live traffic, and as soon as officers turn their backs, groups immediately start reforming in the gardens. Simply shifting crowds from one spot to another isn’t working, and we need a better strategy.

“A plea to parents: do you know where your children were this evening? The police are actively gathering video evidence during every call-out and will be following up with home visits.”

Last night’s gathering took place after councillors met with senior police and council officers to address the issues.

Cllr Dylan Williams shared: “We discussed all the current ASB issues in the town. The police assured us they are continuing efforts to identify as many individuals as possible in relation to vandalism, anti-social behaviour and letting off fireworks. They are trawling through CCTV images and social media videos.

Cllr Dylan Williams

“We expect some arrests to me made and also lots of ABCs (Acceptable Behaviour Contracts) to be issued to any youths involved along with their parents.

“We raised our concerns around Oktoberfest taking place this weekend, and that the town needs to be a safe place for people to go to and enjoy this event.

“We have been assured a further dispersal order will be issued over the weekend which can be used to lawfully remove anyone acting antisocial. If they are over 18 and refuse to leave they will be arrested, if they are under 18 they will be taken home to their parent or guardian and other measures in place such as ABC Contracts.

“This will only work if there are enough police to enforce it. We have been assured that additional officers will be deployed this week, and especially for Oktoberfest.

“We have also agreed to a request to part-fund additional officers over the Oktoberfest weekend for the sum of £1,000 which we have both authorised which will be used to get more officers on overtime to combat the recent disorder and also ensure that we do not have to cancel Oktoberfest.”

A special meeting of Middleton Township is being held to find longer-term solutions for anti-social behaviour in the town centre, as well as at the former Durnford Street school site and St George’s Park.

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