A senior councillor says a "daily security presence" at a park helps ensure people stay safe after concerns were raised by residents.

On Saturday, July 27, the council shared a promotional video encouraging people to visit Alexandra Park in Glodwick.

But multiple people made comments on a social media post to say they felt the park was unsafe to visit alone, particularly for women. 

The video was posted as part of Love Parks Week, which encourages people to get outside and celebrate their green spaces.

However, despite the video featuring all the sites at Alexandra Park and championing recent improvements, such as the renovated tennis courts, people took to the comments to voice their opinions of the site.

Referencing a "serious sexual assault" that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported happened at around 11pm in the park on Monday, July 15, one woman said: "No way can you go into Alexander Park alone- especially as a female.

"I don't care what time it is, a time doesn't justify humans abusing other humans!"

Another woman said: "I go in on weekends with my family but I wouldn't walk the dog alone. I don't feel safe."

After the assault, GMP warned people to avoid the park.

References were also made to a racially aggravated assault and police targeting the area for a weapons sweep in a specialist operation,

One commenter added: "Also, I'd go as far to say no park is fully safe, especially in Oldham for a whole host of reasons. Saddleworth is the safest place to go to a park, although there's even been a few bad incidents up there to."

In response, Cllr Peter Dean, cabinet member for thriving communities and culture, said: “Our parks are one of Oldham's best assets, they're enjoyed by people across Oldham and beyond, and we work really hard to make sure they're safe spaces for everyone.

“Our community safety services, together with neighbourhood police teams, regularly patrol parks and public areas to provide reassurance and reduce crime.

“In Alexandra Park in particular, we have a daily security presence and our others parks are monitored too by our mobile security service.

“If you have any concerns regarding public safety or you have experienced or witnessed any incident that may have threatened the safety of yourself or others, please report this to Greater Manchester Police as soon as possible so this can be investigated.”