Gardens NOT a no-go area, claims top officer
A CITY centre police chief has waded into the row over Piccadilly Gardens – insisting he believes it is NOT a ‘no-go’ area.
Neighbourhood inspector Jon Middleton was reacting to the words of judge Alan Conrad QC as he jailed a thug who carried out a terrifying knifepoint robbery in the Gardens.
Ariclene Da-Silva-Tchia, 21, held a rusty hook with a blade to the chest of a man trying to enjoy a night out in Manchester city centre last summer.
Manchester Crown Court heard how the victim was waiting for his girlfriend at the ‘Berlin Wall’ as she got cash out from a nearby Spar when he was approached by a gang of nine men and robbed of £60.
Jailing Da-Silva-Tchia for four years, judge Conrad said: “Piccadilly Gardens is an area that should be an attraction in the centre of Manchester.
“But it has become a no-go area for many people. A place they avoid going to or passing through and cases such as this will reinforce that feeling.”
Last night, Inspector Middleton tweeted a link to the Manchester Evening News story from the @ GMPCityCentre account adding: “I absolutely acknowledge Picc Gdns has its issues but would not personally call it a “no go area”.
“On a positive note, great police work by responding officers and investigators to get this guy behind bars where he can’t hurt anyone for a few years.”
Dozens of followers replied to disagree with the inspector’s opinion and insisting it is an area they actively avoid.
One wrote: “As a city centre resident in the Piccadilly postcode, I have to strongly disagree.
“It shames me every time I need to walk through the ‘Gardens,’ and I certainly wouldn’t go anywhere near there when I have with my grandaughter with me. So at times sadly, it is a no-go area for me.”
Another added: “It’s an intimidating place day and night, my daughter would spend an extra 15 minutes circumnavigating the area before and after work as she was frightened of the dealers and drug addicts.”
“I’m sorry but it really is,” another said.
“I live in the centre and for six years have had to find alternative routes to work to avoid walking there. The whole area terrifies me and it’s getting worse by the day!”
And another said: “I think for me echoing many others we appreciate the work you guys do on very little resource.”
A few suggested that police in uniform might not have the same perspective as ordinary residents, especially lone women.