COUNCIL leaders in Oldham have reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with communities in the wake of UK-wide concern over violent crime and extremism.

Cabinet member for policing and safety Cllr Ateeque Ur-Rehman told last night’s council meeting (Wednesday, March 30) said the rise in violent crime in Oldham had coincided with an austerity regime which has “crippled the economy and police”.

Councillors also received an update on welfare reform in the borough, highlighting the ongoing hardship for residents created since Oldham became an early adopter of Universal Credit.

Cllr Ur-Rehman said: “There is no place in our society for the kind of violence we’ve seen in recent weeks in Greater Manchester and elsewhere.

“We are determined to work in and with communities to build understanding of the causes of, and solutions to, violent crime.

“The police have a vital role to pay, and we are calling on the government to fund them without placing even greater burden on already stretched local people. But it’s no coincidence that violence has risen around the country while budgets for youth services have been all but eliminated, along with the benefits so many families rely on.”