More than 60 inspections were carried out in Rochdale town centre as part of a coordinated enforcement operation targeting illegal activity and unsafe conditions.
Rochdale Borough Council led a week of action under Operation Tetbury, bringing together housing enforcement, trading standards, environmental health, benefit fraud and community safety teams. Greater Manchester Police and Electricity North West supported the work.
Officers carried out unannounced visits to more than 60 premises, identifying breaches of health and safety rules and property laws. Two businesses on Yorkshire Street were shut by trading standards after illicit tobacco was found on sale.
Inspectors also uncovered tampered electricity meters and fire safety failures. In one case, Electricity North West disconnected supply to a Yorkshire Street premises after it was judged unsafe.
Housing issues formed a significant part of the operation. Council teams checked for unlicensed accommodation and poor living conditions in rented properties. One business was found to have a concealed doorway hidden behind stock and waste, leading to residential units above. The case has been referred for planning enforcement action.
Community safety patrols were increased across the town centre during the week, with officers addressing antisocial behaviour and speaking with members of the public at information stalls.
Lianne Davies, assistant director of public health and communities, said: "The borough has so much to offer and residents and visitors deserve to feel pride in the community. The Operation Tetbury enforcement activities are another example of the council and its partners successfully collaborating to make our borough an even better place to live, work and visit."
Inspector Meena Yasin of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Team said: "We have established a really strong partnership response between GMP and Rochdale Borough Council to make Rochdale town centre safe and welcoming for everyone. We look forward to continuing this partnership and delivering the objectives of Operation Tetbury."
Operation Tetbury involves the council, police, Rochdale BID, Rochdale Development Agency, businesses and community groups working together to improve safety and standards in the town centre.
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