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SAFE: One the Fallowfield bouncers.
Library guards stand up to gangs
6/ 4/2006
DOORMEN are being employed to guard libraries in Fallowfield after staff and visitors complained that they were being intimidated by gangs of young yobs.
Council bosses say readers were staying away from the Platt Lane Library because of the havoc caused by young people and the vandalism.
They have decided to employ security guards to encourage readers back into the library, which is being revamped to improve accessibility.
Security guard George Dipe, 29, who works for Exclusafe, has been on duty at the library for a month. He says that before the guards were brought in youths were causing havoc.
Eggs
"Library users have had eggs thrown at them and a lot of the kids mouth off when I tell them they're barred. Thankfully, they're too small to get physical with me, though, and the problems here have really improved," said George. "Frankly, I can't believe I am working outside a library - it's certainly a first."
Mary Keeley, chairman of the Fallowfield Tenants and Residents Association, said: "It's a depressing but necessary sign of the times.
"It's a pity such a fine centre is under siege from yobs who simply have nothing better to do. Perhaps the council could think about more youth provision as an alternative solution."
A spokesman for Manchester City Council said: "Since the introduction of this solution the level of disturbance has reduced to almost nil and we have noticed an increase in use of the library by both adults and young people, and have received a number of positive comments from customers."
But he said the use of bouncers was a temporary solution which would be reviewed as the nights get lighter.
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7/04/2006 at 09:30
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7/07/2006 at 14:44
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