Mayor’s ‘safe town’ message after teen assaulted on Biddulph Valley Way

The town’s new mayor has insisted that “Biddulph is a safe town”, after last week’s attack on a 16-year-old boy.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident when a group of balaclava-clad men struck the victim from behind on Biddulph Valley Way last Sunday.

Coun Jim Garvey was recently elected as the town’s new mayor, as reported in this edition of the Chronicle.

He said: “My experience of Biddulph is that it is a safe town. We have the odd incidents, but there are those in every town. Because of social media and the immediacy of the media in general, incidents get a much higher profile than they would have in the past.

“Like many towns, there are issues. But by and large, I’m quite happy – having brought my family up in this town – that it is safe.”

Police said that the attack, at 4pm, caused the boy to fall to the ground and that he was taken to hospital for treatment, although he was later discharged. The group of men were said to have fled in the direction of Biddulph along the railway tracks.

PC Courtney Nancollas called it “a particularly nasty attack that had no motive whatsoever”. She said: “The boy has been recovering at home after his ordeal and he is very fortunate that his injuries were not life-threatening.”

She added: “This area is really vast and we are relying on anyone who was around the area at the time of the incident who may have seen the males before or after the incident to please get in touch. The same goes for anyone who may know who is responsible.”

This week, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police told the Chronicle that there had still not been any arrests as of yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

They said: “There is no CCTV in the area, so we are just relying on people who may have seen or heard something.”

The police also said that they did not know what weapon was used, but believed it was wooden.

Enquiries are ongoing and information can be reported to Cheshire Police by calling 101 or using the force’s website and quoting IML 1259176.

Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

Coun Nigel Yates is a member of the Friends of Biddulph Valley Way group, which contributes to the maintenance of the walking route and campaigns for improvements.

He said: “It does seem very strange. It’s not something you would normally get in Biddulph but it could have been any footpath anywhere; these things are random, in some respects.”