We live next to millionaires in one of Britain’s poshest streets… but our road is a ticking time bomb – it’s terrifying
RESIDENTS living in an estate next to one of Britain's poshest streets say their road has become a "ticking time bomb".
The Alkrington Moss estate in Middleton, Manchester, has been plagued by a spate of violence in recent months - leaving homeowners living in fear.
Anti-social behaviour and drug dealing gangs have become a familiar sight, with parents now too scared to let their children play outside.
Residents say the estate has become "decimated" compared to neighbours in nearby Mainway, which is home to properties priced at over a million pounds.
Last month, a balaclava-clad armed gang smashed up a block of flats in The Meadows - part of the Alkrington Moss estate.
Locals heard a "loud bang" as windows were shattered, with reports of up to 16 men arriving armed with "axes, machetes and other weapons".
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In May, two men were also arrested after an individual suffered serious injuries during "disorder" at a block of flats.
That came just days after three people were injured following a stabbing in the area.
One mum said her young son came across blood splattered across a pavement just yards from their family home.
Speaking about the lasting impact of the sight, she said: "He has been quiet since then. He won't play out or walk home from school. It's horrible.
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"I don't feel safe here. The door is always locked."
Javed Chaudhry owns Village Store, a convenience shop in the estate, but has to have security bars on the entrance.
He described how the loss of the local youth club and demolition of a multi-sports pitch and three playing areas has had a detrimental impact.
Mr Chaudry added: "There's a tale of two Alkringtons. 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.
"There used to be two buses that served this estate. One has been cut, the other used to run every 15 minutes but it's now every hour. That affects people getting out if they have got employment."
Coun Williams, another resident, said the situation on the estate is continuing to deteriorate.
He added: "People are fearful and scared at the minute. 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.
"There are a lot of people who work, a lot of elderly people and a lot of families with young children on the estate. The majority of people are good, it's a small minority that are causing misery.
"If serious action isn't taken then it's a ticking time bomb. It won't be long before an innocent person is killed."
His views are echoed by others on the estate, many of whom did not want to be named due to fear of repercussions.
One man who has lived in the area for 20 years said: "It's turning into an inner city area. There are drug dealers pulling up outside the shop.
"Windows are going through left, right and centre. A few months back there were people trying to break into my flat at three in the morning. I've called the police a number of times but they have never come out.
"The majority of people are living in fear. Crime on the estate is just becoming the norm.
"I'm scared to go to the shop. 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."
The man said he is now desperate to move out the estate and would "rather live in a caravan in a field".
Another woman, also looking to move, said she wants to escape the groups of youths repeatedly congregating in a stairwell outside her flat.
She said: "I'm fearful walking out of the front door. I open the door and listen to see if there is anyone in the hallway.
"I don't feel safe walking along the street at night."
Inspector Jenny Partington, of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale district, said: "We are fully investigating all of the issues raised, but it is not believed that the incidents described are connected at this time.
A spokesperson for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing said: "We believe Alkrington is a good place to live. 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.
"We will work with the Police and the Council to act on any reports of anti-social behaviour that affect RBH homes, and we provide support to residents who need it."
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"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."
