Good Evening Resident,

Last year, we launched Operation Yetminster, an 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 the start of this operation, we have been attending the junction as much as possible to identify and engage with those people begging. We have recorded a total of 85 instances of begging, committed by 18 different people. All of these people have been given leaflets providing them with contact details for a number of support agencies available to them to stop them from begging and address any social issues.

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.

We have now started to issue Community Protection Warning's to inform the people begging that their conduct must stop. If they fail to comply with the Community Protection Warning, they will be issued with a Community Protection Notice, which will provide requirements they must comply with. If they fail to comply with these, they will be arrested and prosecuted.

We are hoping this action is making a noticeable difference at the junction. I would also like to hear any feedback if you have/haven't noticed a difference by replying to this email.

Kind regards,