Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

Jack Straw visits youth project

Jack Straw visits youth project

Jack Straw, the Justice Minister, visited Kirkholt Youth Inclusion Project recently to learn more about how some young people are being diverted away from crime. 

The local Project is led by the national crime prevention charity Crime Concern and was opened in October 2006. More than 300 young people have come into contact with the project since then and it has helped reduce anti-social behaviour and crime. 

Mr Straw was met by local Labour Party activist Darren Pedley and Simon Danczuk. They all discussed crime prevention and how engaging with young people was critical to reducing problems in an area. 

Jack said: “I’m passionate about this kind of programme, for many, many reasons including that I was brought up in an area like this in Essex. It’s about giving individuals hope in an area, but they’ve also got to give themselves hope. It’s also about what the community can do to help in terms of the parents and the youngsters themselves. You’ve got good people working in this area. I’ve been impressed with what I’ve heard.” 

Simon Danczuk said: “It’s critical that our Labour Government Ministers see what’s going on in Rochdale and learn first hand what works and what doesn’t. Rochdale hasn’t had a voice in Government for quite some time now and I’m changing that by asking Ministers to come in and understand more about what our area needs. Unfortunately, the current Lib Dem MP for Rochdale thinks our town is better served by keeping Government Ministers out of our town – I think that’s short sighted and putting his party politics before what is best for Rochdale residents.

For coverage of the visit in the MEN (including video shot by Channel M) please click the following link:

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1038939_jacks_one_of_the_lads