Andy Burnham has vowed to crackdown on organised crime and restore pride in local high streets, if elected in Makerfield by-election.
Set to stand as the Labour Party’s candidate in the upcoming by-election, Burnham’s pledge calls for a roll out of targeted police operations, alongside a crackdown on illegal e-bikes and proliferating vape shops.
The former mayor’s announcement follows the success of Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Vulcan, an award-winning initiative that tackles dodgy shops serving as a front for organised crime.
In his pledge, Burnham said: “For too long, Westminster has been allowed to ignore areas like ours.
“Today’s announcement is about showing local residents “I’m on your side.”
“I’m calling for a blitz on the organised crime blighting local high streets, and push for new powers to stop those causing misery to our local communities.”
If elected, Burnham plans to create dedicated units to work alongside neighbourhood policing teams, carrying out concentrated campaigns – including round-the-clock raids.
The proposed legislation would also give police new powers to enter residential premises and seize illegal e-bikes, as well as banning the conversion kits used to modify the vehicles.
Furthermore, the new proposal will enable councils the power to categorise vape shops as betting shops, allowing local authorities to control their location and impact.
Alongside his plans to crackdown on organised crime and reinvigorate the high street, Burnham plans to implement a new purpose-built Ashton Youth Zone.
Following the example of the successful Wigan Youth Zone, the scheme would provide young people with a place to socialise, learn new skills and take part in activities.
Burnham’s announcement reaffirms his commitment to reinvigorating the high street; last week he called for a 20% business rate cut for pubs and clubs, with aims for smaller businesses to forgo the tax altogether.
Featured image “Local Solutions for Global Challenges” by World Economic Forum, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
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