- Entrou
- Out 5, 2021
- Mensagens
- 16,742
- Gostos Recebidos
- 700
'Time bomb' UK estate next to millionaire's row where drug dealers run riot
Residents of a UK estate say their neighbourhood has become overrun by drug gangs and anti-social behaviour – despite being just a stone's throw from a nearby "millionaire's row"
Residents of an estate awash with drug dealing and anti-social behaviour say they're afraid to even walk to the shops, despite living in the shadow of a "millionaire's row".
The Alkrington Moss estate on the outskirts of Middleton, Manchester, has seen a string of violent attacks in recent months with locals claiming crime in the area is getting worse.
"People are fearful and scared at the minute," Rochdale council member for Middleton East Coun Williams – who grew up in the area – told Manchester Evening News.
"There is obviously serious stuff going on because there are all these incidents.
"The police say they are isolated, and they are, but they are that frequent that other residents are getting their homes damaged in the crossfire.
"If serious action isn't taken then it's a ticking time bomb. It won't be long before an innocent person is killed."
One incident last month saw a 16-strong armed gang wearing balaclavas smash up a block of flats.
And in May, three people were injured in a stabbing – with one mum recalling how her young son came across blood splattered in the street just metres from their home.
"He won't play out or walk home from school. It's horrible," she said.
"I don't feel safe here. The door is always locked."
Another man, who also chose to remain anonymous, said crime in the area had become "the norm".
"I'm scared to go to the shop," he said.
"I wouldn't dare go up there at night now.
"A mate of mine was going to the shop at night and some youths stabbed him in the knee cap."
Local shop worker Javed Chaudhry echoed the concerns and said many of the problems arose from bored teens having "nothing to do".
"You see little kids who are like 13 or 14 using drugs," he said.
"The kids have nothing to do on this estate."
Williams, 24, added the area was divided with "affluent parts" of the area feeling worlds away from the estate.
"There's a tale of two Alkringtons," he said.
"This estate is quite socially deprived then you have got the really affluent parts of Alkrington. There are million pound houses on Mainway then you have got this area that has been decimated."
Inspector Jenny Partington, of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Rochdale district, told Manchester Evening News: "We are fully investigating all of the issues raised, but it is not believed that the incidents described are connected at this time.
"We are hugely assisted by accurate and timely reporting of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, as it allows us to listen to our communities, understand their needs, and adopt a problem-solving approach to tackling those who cause harm.
"GMP will continue to work alongside key partners and the community, supporting with additional resources in the area to ensure a high visibility presence to provide reassurance to the residents."
A spokesperson for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) said: "We're working closely with our partners at Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police, as well as with other housing providers, to respond to any concerns expressed by residents.
"We know that the recent incidents, although isolated, have understandably caused alarm for local people. Residents should call the police to report any crime, and they can also report anti-social behaviour directly to the RBH team."
A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said “The council is aware of concerns raised. We have already taken action using the council's antisocial behaviour's powers and are discussing ongoing concerns with the housing provider and GMP.”
Daily Star Sunday
Residents of a UK estate say their neighbourhood has become overrun by drug gangs and anti-social behaviour – despite being just a stone's throw from a nearby "millionaire's row"
Residents of an estate awash with drug dealing and anti-social behaviour say they're afraid to even walk to the shops, despite living in the shadow of a "millionaire's row".
The Alkrington Moss estate on the outskirts of Middleton, Manchester, has seen a string of violent attacks in recent months with locals claiming crime in the area is getting worse.
"People are fearful and scared at the minute," Rochdale council member for Middleton East Coun Williams – who grew up in the area – told Manchester Evening News.
"There is obviously serious stuff going on because there are all these incidents.
"The police say they are isolated, and they are, but they are that frequent that other residents are getting their homes damaged in the crossfire.
"If serious action isn't taken then it's a ticking time bomb. It won't be long before an innocent person is killed."
One incident last month saw a 16-strong armed gang wearing balaclavas smash up a block of flats.
And in May, three people were injured in a stabbing – with one mum recalling how her young son came across blood splattered in the street just metres from their home.
"He won't play out or walk home from school. It's horrible," she said.
"I don't feel safe here. The door is always locked."
Another man, who also chose to remain anonymous, said crime in the area had become "the norm".
"I'm scared to go to the shop," he said.
"I wouldn't dare go up there at night now.
"A mate of mine was going to the shop at night and some youths stabbed him in the knee cap."
Local shop worker Javed Chaudhry echoed the concerns and said many of the problems arose from bored teens having "nothing to do".
"You see little kids who are like 13 or 14 using drugs," he said.
"The kids have nothing to do on this estate."
Williams, 24, added the area was divided with "affluent parts" of the area feeling worlds away from the estate.
"There's a tale of two Alkringtons," he said.
"This estate is quite socially deprived then you have got the really affluent parts of Alkrington. There are million pound houses on Mainway then you have got this area that has been decimated."
Inspector Jenny Partington, of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Rochdale district, told Manchester Evening News: "We are fully investigating all of the issues raised, but it is not believed that the incidents described are connected at this time.
"We are hugely assisted by accurate and timely reporting of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, as it allows us to listen to our communities, understand their needs, and adopt a problem-solving approach to tackling those who cause harm.
"GMP will continue to work alongside key partners and the community, supporting with additional resources in the area to ensure a high visibility presence to provide reassurance to the residents."
A spokesperson for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) said: "We're working closely with our partners at Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police, as well as with other housing providers, to respond to any concerns expressed by residents.
"We know that the recent incidents, although isolated, have understandably caused alarm for local people. Residents should call the police to report any crime, and they can also report anti-social behaviour directly to the RBH team."
A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said “The council is aware of concerns raised. We have already taken action using the council's antisocial behaviour's powers and are discussing ongoing concerns with the housing provider and GMP.”
Daily Star Sunday