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Marines set their sights on helping troubled youngsters

Kate Stirrup
24/12/2003

POLICE in Chorlton are enlisting the help of Royal Marine Commandos in a scheme to steer teenagers away from crime.

The radical step is part of a new scheme called Operation Penrith, designed to lower crime on the Nell Lane Estate estate.

Police officers and other members of the Chorlton local area partnership are aiming to improve the quality of life for local residents.

Kids can also look forward to football classes from qualified coaches and a go-karting scheme.

Sgt Paul Kinrade of Chorlton police said: "There's some smashing kids on that estate, with loads of energy. What we want to do is channel that energy and are working alongside the Manchester Youth Service to divert them into positive schemes. We want to improve the provision of youth activities in the area.

"We are paying for a football coach, and in the new year will be starting outward bound courses, probably in the Lake District and commandos from the Royal Marines are going to come along and get involved with the youngsters.

"This type of activity is something not many of them would have got the chance to go on, so we are very hopeful that we will see results on the estate. If we can engage with the youths, and gain their trust and get them interested into productive ways to spend their time, it will be beneficial to everyone living there."

Operation Penrith has has also seen officers visiting over 800 properties on Nell Lane, Weller Avenue and Hough End, offering residents free security equipment (provided by the city council) like spy-holes and door chains.

Sgt Kinrade said: "What we are talking about is crime prevention teamed with high profile policing; looking for long term solutions to crime problems.

"Operation Penrith is a pilot scheme that could be rolled out to other parts of south Manchester if it continues to go well. We are achieving results, there's no doubt about it."