Scrapyards shut down after raids
TWO scrapyards have been closed down after a major operation by police and council officers.
The target for the crackdown was Corporation Road, in Sparth Bottoms.
More than 30 officers from GMP, Rochdale council, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Environment Agency carried out searches of five vehicle breaking businesses in the area on Friday.
Sgt Danny Shirazi of GMP said: “It was a multi-agency operation looking at five businesses in Corporation Road. We have taken action because of the way the businesses have impacted on the local area and neighbouring firms.
“Vehicles which are not taxed or roadworthy have been left on the highway, which these businesses have been using as an overspill for their yards.
“In some instances vehicles have been stacked on top of each other, presenting a danger to the public.
“A bus operator which has a depot in the area has had difficulties manoeuvring its vehicles because of the vehicles left on the road.
“When we have done checks it has emerged that two of the businesses do not have a licence to operate and they have been shut down.
“During the course of the operation we have also discovered a company operating in a unit making boxing punch bags.
“But they are being filled with old linen. That business has been closed as well.
“We have been aware of problems with the vehicle breaking companies for about a year. When we arrived there were about 30 vehicles left on the road.
“We have issued warnings for about a year and they were not heeded so we have taken action.
“We will continue to review the situation and will repeat the operation in the New Year.”
Coun Allen Brett, ward councillor for Milkstone and Deeplish, said: “The council has led the way in clamping down on flytipping, illegal parking, abandoned cars and companies who are flouting the law.
“Our message is clear, we will not tolerate any illegal practices and, if you are breaking the law, we will find you and we will prosecute.
“It was a successful day, underlying the strength of our partnership work in rooting out and dealing with antisocial behaviour.”