New community engagement van to tour Tameside in boost for neighbourhood policing

A new Community Engagement Van is set to travel across Tameside in a bid to strengthen neighbourhood policing, build closer ties with residents and support local events throughout the borough.

Funded through Tameside Council’s Community Safety Partnership, the van represents a joint commitment between the council and Greater Manchester Police to improving community safety and increasing police visibility in local communities.

The initiative aims to make it easier for residents to speak directly with officers in an informal and accessible setting. By bringing policing services directly into neighbourhoods, the van will provide a welcoming space for people to raise concerns, ask questions and find out more about how officers can support them.

As well as offering face-to-face engagement, the van will also be used to share important information about local services, safety initiatives and upcoming community events. It is expected to attend a range of neighbourhood gatherings and activities, helping to strengthen relationships between residents and local policing teams.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, Cllr Stephen Homer, welcomed the initiative.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the introduction of a Community Engagement Van for Tameside,” he said. “It is a fantastic way to increase visibility and allow our residents to get support in a more approachable, accessible setting. It helps the service boost community presence and aims to build a stronger relationship with residents.”

The van forms part of wider efforts across the borough to enhance community safety, ensure residents feel heard and supported, and create safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

Residents are encouraged to look out for the van as it visits towns and events across Tameside in the coming months.