A FOUR week campaign to target anti-social behaviour in Sale has been declared a 'success'.

Operation Zero was mounted to target anti-social and other nuisance behaviour on the Sale West Estate involving residents, Irwell Valley Housing Association, neighbourhood managers, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire Service, Trafford Council.

The campaign included increased neighbourhood walkabouts, inspections, patrols and social media messages on Facebook and Twitter.

As a result, 14 new anti-social behaviour orders were handed out with eight of the cases involving youths causing nuisance in a local park. The orders are arranged with the parents and any breaches could result in court proceedings and anti-social behaviour orders or possession proceedings.

Irwell Valley also issued five final warnings for breach of tenancy agreements – three for failing to maintain their properties in a good condition and two for anti-social behaviour. If the residents do not comply with instructions, legal action will commence.

In addition, the association obtained outright possession of two properties, one where a resident refused to alter their behaviour. With the assistance of neighbours who confidentially and anonymously kept comprehensive diary sheets, the house was repossessed.

In the past Sale West has had a high volume of fire call outs and criminal damage so Operation Zero patrols were timed to coincide with the annual bonfire period.

Greater Manchester Fire Service say the patrols contributed to a 50 per cent reduction in call outs from across Sale West.

Irwell Valley neighbourhood manager, Andy Ball said the success of the operation is down to partnership working.

He explained: " "This intensified period of activity also gave us an opportunity to work closer than ever with our partners – and most importantly our law abiding residents who want to live in safe, clean, peaceful and thriving neighbourhoods. We were able to deal with all issues extremely quickly and efficiently.

“Operation Zero was a great success over four weeks but that doesn’t mean our work is now complete. Our commitment levels to zero tolerance of anti social behaviour remain."