New police pod opens at Ashton Bus Station

Date published: 13 August 2010

A new police ‘pod’, which is aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and helping passengers feel safer on public transport, has opened at Ashton Bus Station.

The ‘pod’ will be used as a drop-in office and interview room for Police Community Support Officers, Bus Watch Specials, GMPTE’s Patrol & Response Team, Police Officers and Town Centre Patrols, providing a reassuring and highly visible police base on the bus station.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) staff have been working alongside Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver the initiative.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) is responsible for overseeing the provision of public transport in Greater Manchester with GMPTE implementing GMITA’s policies.

Councillor Doreen Dickinson, Tameside’s representative on GMITA, said: “Passenger safety and security is one of our top priorities and we are very happy to be working with Greater Manchester Police and Tameside Council on this initiative.

”While public transport generally, and bus stations in particular, provide safe environments, the new police pod at Ashton will give passengers an added security in the knowledge that police officers are regularly operating from the bus station.

“Not only does this mean that officers will be available to deal with specific incidents but their uniformed presence will also help to discourage anti-social behaviour in the first place.”

Tameside Council’s executive member for community safety, Councillor Kevin Welsh, said: “I’m happy to support this move which brings a security presence to the bus station and makes people feel safer. I’m sure the public will be very appreciative.”

GMP Tameside North Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Alogba said: “Public transport is a safe way to travel, but people acting in an anti-social way such as smoking, listening to loud music, swearing and acting in an inconsiderate way can be intimidating, especially for older people and people travelling with children.

“The police pod will provide extra reassurance at the bus station with officers patrolling the area as well as acting as a deterrent to would be offenders.”

The new police pod was officially opened on Thursday 12 August.