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Do something or we’re back
Shelina Begum3/ 8/2004
A GROUP of residents in Rochdale have called off a campaign to
clear prostitutes, pimps and drug dealers from their streets but
have warned they will be back if the authorities do not take urgent
action to clean up their area.
Over 20 men have been patrolling the streets of the Deeplish area
of the town attempting to stop the vice and drug trade.
But after appeals from some Asian community leaders fearful of
aggressive vigilantism, the patrols have been suspended - for
now.
Said civil servant Mohammed Shafiq: "For the past couple of months
all we have done is visit Richard Street where these prostitutes
and drug dealers can be found and we speak to them and tell them
what they are doing is wrong and to either stop their trade or
leave the area.
"We are peaceful and non-violent campaigners and we hand out
leaflets to prostitutes telling them to make an honest living for
themselves.
"Drug dealers have also been warned that we will call the police
and identify them.
"We came under fire by the council's area forum members and were
called vigilantes. We do not see ourselves as vigilantes, only
concerned residents who want to live in a safe community. So we
decided if that is the case we will temporarily suspend our
campaign and let the council take over, but if the prostitutes and
drug dealers carry on using Richard Street we will return."
Mr Shafiq, aged 25, said Richard Street was used regularly by young
children and Asian women as a short cut to the town centre but now
they feel intimidated and frightened.
Said Mr Shafiq: "For too long we have watched our community suffer,
people are afraid to leave after dark and needles are found in
areas populated by children.
"This is why I and my brothers at the mosque decided to take some
action. When we mentioned our plans to other members in the
community they also wanted to help.
"So far our campaign has worked because some prostitutes have not
come back."
He added that prostitute tolerance zones might be a good idea if
they were away from residential areas.
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