‘We are determined that district will flourish again’

THE council told the M.E.N. it wanted to see Chinatown ‘flourishing’ once again and promised to continue engaging with businesses and residents over the current problems.

Coun Nigel Murphy, the deputy leader of the council, said: “We are determined to support Chinatown for the long-term future and, alongside Greater Manchester Police and other partners, we’re investing significant time and resources into tackling anti-social behaviour and littering in the area as a matter of urgency.

“It is simply untrue to suggest that our officers are not prepared to visit the area. “In addition to our daily streetcleaning visits, we carried out more than 30 enforcement visits in April, to deal with issues including littering, drug abuse and commercial waste. “We will continue to carry out proactive inspections, as well as responding to any reports received from residents and businesses. “Our rough sleeper team actively provide outreach services and have increased their presence in this area, to support anyone who is sleeping rough. “Many rough sleepers have very complex issues and providing the support they need is not always a straightforward process, but we’re committed to working with them and helping them to move off the streets into appropriate accommodation, just as we are across the city.

“The Chinatown pagoda has recently been affected by anti-social behaviour, but has been cleaned and repaired and we’re committed to working with the local community to see it fulfil its potential as a major asset, both for the local neighbourhood and for the city centre as a whole.

“This is ongoing and further engagement events and clean-up operations are already planned, but we are happy to arrange additional meetings with businesses and residents to discuss what more needs to be done.

“We all want to see a flourishing Chinatown which attracts more visitors and we will continue to meet with the community on a regular basis to work towards this goal.”

It is understood the pagoda continues to be fenced off pending an agreement on how it can be brought back into ‘meaningful use.’