Good Afternoon Resident,

Last month, we launched Operation Yetminster, a new initiative to tackle the issue of people begging in Bolton. Following your feedback, the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team identified that the location that caused people most concern outside of the Town Centre was the junction of Turton Street/Kay Street/Topp Way/A666, near to Ford and Bolton Gate Retail Park.

Since last month, we have been attending the junction as much as possible to identify those people who beg there. In October, officers recorded 41 instances of begging, committed by 16 different people. We obtained their details and made sure they were referred for support from Bolton Council's Rough Sleeping Team, the Rough Sleeper Drug & Alcohol Service and other agencies, before making sure they left the area.

I have had some feedback from local residents who pass through this junction that they have noticed a reduction in the number of people/frequency of begging and I hope that you have also noticed a difference.

Unfortunately, despite the excellent offer of support from Bolton Council, the NHS and other agencies, some of the same people are choosing to continue begging at the junction. As such, Greater Manchester Police will have to start taking enforcement action.

The initial feedback in October from the community was that people felt anxious and intimidated when crossing the road or stopping at the traffic lights. Some people also avoided using the junction due to fear of stopping next to someone begging. In order for us to take enforcement action, I need to outline the impact begging has on the the community.

Please can you reply to this message to explain how people begging at this junction (not any other area) effects you and makes you feel?

I would also like to hear any feedback if you have/haven't noticed a difference.

NOTE: There is a similar initiative running in the Town Centre between the Bolton South Neighbourhood Team and Bolton Council. This email is specific to the above junction.

Kind regards,