Wigan fund-raiser hits out at repeated police visits to lights display

He says he has had around 10 conversations with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) about the spectacular show in front of his address on Fairman Drive, including when officers attended the property last weekend .

Mike has installed thousands of coloured lights, a snow machine and festive sculptures and has so far raised more than £1,500 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

But because people keep coming to see the lights and make donations it has regularly attracted police attention, with Mike assuming GMP are receiving complaints to trigger the visits.

Mike says he has spoken to health teams at Wigan Council about ensuring masks are worn, social distancing is adhered to and there are not too many people in the street at the same time and is now calling for common sense.

He criticised some GMP officers for the way they have spoken to him and treated the situation and said it was depressing that reports keep getting made to the force.

However, GMP said officers had merely given advice about guidelines and described the engagement in the street as positive.

Mike said: “We’ve had multiple visits now. Officers have come to the door and the attitude of some of them has just been outrageous.

“I know the police have a job to do and have to look into things reported to them but it’s felt more like the fun police than the actual police.

“It just feels like a massive waste of their time and resources. We’ve had three police cars turn up.

“It’s disappointing that people have got nothing better to do than report people trying to raise money for charity. It has been a terrible year and we should all be pulling together.

“All I’m asking for is a bit of common sense from the police. They shouldn’t even need to get out of their cars, it should be obvious there are no issues because we’re not doing anything wrong.

“Some of the officers who’ve been to the door more than once have looked pretty embarrassed when they realise it’s me.

“I’ve looked online and it’s happening all over the country. There was a guy who had a lights display and he was forced to shut it all down. It’s disgusting, really.”

The latest incident happened after Mike and some of his neighbours were socially-distanced in their gardens in Christmas jumpers and outfits and playing some festive music last Saturday afternoon.

Mike said the response from GMP was particularly aggressive, claiming an officer threatened him with fines and police were quizzing people to check if they actually lived on the street.

However, GMP’s response denied any heavy-handed policing.

A statement from the force said officers attended the address and advised residents of the importance of adhering to current Government guidelines.

Sergeant Wesley Walker, of GMP’s Wigan District, said: “We continue to take a measured approach to any reports of possible breaches of social restrictions.

“Following a report of a planned gathering, three officers attended Fairman Drive and spoke with a number of residents, taking care to explain the guidelines and encourage them to comply with current Government restrictions.

“There was no enforcement action taken against any persons present and our officers left a short time later after positively engaging with the local residents.”

Mike says he is determined to get to a total of £2,000 to help WLH.

To support the fund-raising drive for the hospice visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hindleywinterwonderland

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