CHANGE LAW OVER LOUTS

HAVING worked as a political activist in Reddish Vale for many years, I know that the lack of any official authority has become a crisis.

When loutish behaviour such as happened this week occurs, the only recourse for volunteers is to call the police.

It was only on Monday, November 27, that I asked the Brinnington and Reddish area committee to discuss ways to change this ridiculous situation.

Two days later problems at the visitor centre had escalated into refusal to leave the premises in order for staff to close up and go home.

The Friends group are the most dedicated and innovative group we have ever had in charge of caring for visitors and organising events throughout the year.

The summer fun days, autumn apple days and Christmas festivities are but three.

They have also made it possible for people to take an active role in developing the nature reserve, which attracts new species.

If only the police are allowed to escort children through a door when they are misbehaving without being insulted or subjected to threatening behaviour then there should be a different set of laws.

People are voluntarily doing work which was traditionally that of council staff.

The council need to install CCTV in the visitor centre and the area surrounding it.

In these days of staff reductions, cannot byelaws be reintroduced which then oblige the council to take action against the parents of underage vandals?

I make these suggestions in order to spur on the council officers to some useful action before we lose our precious volunteers. Pat Ruaune Tame Valley Defence Group