The Jamaica Star :: News :: Cops clear Spaldings streets

GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

One of several vehicles that were seized by the police in Spaldings during Monday's operation. - George Henry

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

The Manchester police in an effort to get transport operators, who ply various routes out of Spaldings, on the bordering parish of Clarendon, to use the abandoned transportation centre provided, swooped down on that rural township on Monday.

Backed by personnel from the Transport Authority along with at least three wreckers, a large detachment of police, headed by Senior Superintendent Ryland Salmon and Superintendent Clyde Ramsay, made their presence felt and their intentions known from as early as 6 a.m. in that small busy town.

The town centre which was usually buzzing with activities from commuters and transport operators, and which usually resulted in congestion, lacked such activities when the police arrived on the scene.

Illegal loading

Although some transport operators occupied their usual illegal loading areas prior to the arrival of the police, they headed to the facility which they abandoned almost 18 months ago, having been informed that they will have to get used to operating from there once again.

It was also noticeable that vendors who usually ply their wares on the streets moved to the transportation centre. Several vendors pulled down their stalls over the weekend, in preparation for the operation by the lawmen. But they had a major concern, saying that they cannot sell to a back section of the facility.

However Senior Superintendent Ryland Salmon who is in charge of Area Three told THE STAR that the police are on a mission to maintain discipline in Spaldings.

"We have started an operation in Spaldings; and as you know, Spaldings is one of the most indiscipline rural townships where unruliness has taken over," said Senior Superintendent Salmon.