CCTV cameras installed to reassure passengers on the Metrolink and residents in its surroundings are now live at five stops across Oldham.

Around 50 cameras will improve coverage of the stops between Freehold and Oldham Mumps both on the platforms themselves and the access points to and from them.

Funded by the Greater Manchester Safer Streets programme and managed by Oldham Council, these are a part of the region's Gender-Based Violence Strategy, launched by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham last year.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, leader of Oldham Council, said: "The council, and our partners, are committed to keeping residents and visitors to the borough safe.

"Safety is an issue for everyone – no one should feel at risk when they're out and about. Members of the Youth Council recently spoke about it at full council and highlighted the issue, so it shows this issue is important to all ages.

"Hopefully, these cameras, and other schemes we've introduced, will reassure residents we're listening and taking action.

"The new cameras can act as a deterrent and, if an incident happens, the footage will be used to identify those responsible so action can be taken against them."

Tom Penketh, a Youth Councillor and Deputy Member of Youth Parliament, said: "These new cameras are one step forward in creating safer areas for people.

"CCTV around the stops will help people to feel safer knowing they can be seen at all times, especially in the dark surrounding areas. This is great progress in working towards safer streets."

Other initiatives on the trams include Trusted People, which started last year as a result of a partnership between Oldham Council and Oldham Street Angels.

Trusted People involves workers and volunteers riding on the trams and visiting the surroundings to offer a friendly face to passengers and residents.

Amour Lindo-Crooks, another Youth Councillor, added: "I feel this is absolutely amazing news, purely because I feel they listened to our voices as youths, and this will allow us to feel a lot safer in and out of our local community."