We live in the shadow of a prison watchtower – it’s the UK’s fake designer capital with cops carrying out dramatic raids
RESIDENTS living in the shadow of a prison watchtower have had their area dramatically change after a series of police raids.
Manchester's Bury New Road, known as 'Counterfeit Street', was the UK's capital for fake designer goods.
The area, yards from Manchester's Strangeways jail, once teemed with shoppers hunting for bogus Nike trainers and Man United merchandise.
During Christmas week Cheetham Hill thronged with bargain hunters looking for the latest cut-price designer clobber.
In the past Cheetham Hill was blighted by gang-related crime, and some locals claim they were forced to "cut corners" to make money in a deprived postcode.
One man who who knows the area said: "Look mate it's Cheetham Hill not the Cotswolds. You had to crack on and make a few quid. Yes a few rules were broken but so what."
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But the authorities linked the trade in dodgy goods to more serious crime and were determined to eradicate it from the area.
Last year police launched a wave of raids in the area, seizing over 1000 tonnes of counterfeit and shutting down 200 shops. Cops also recovered around £520,000 in cash.
Cops say their efforts have smashed the trade in counterfeit goods, and reduced violent crime in the area by 50%.
The most recent raids were undertaken on Friday - with police seizing half a million pounds worth of dodgy pieces.
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The force has now warned it won't stop until the money stops making its way "back into the criminal market".
Those who work in the shadow of Strangeways have told The Sun that while they understand why the police had to take action, they feel the area has become a ghost town.
Balbirsingh Kakar, who owns a vape shop on Bury New Road, said: "I know what sort of reputation Cheetham Hill has but I have been fine around here. No bother or racism of any kind.
"But the last ten months or so have been a nightmare. The police did what they had to do but it has killed the area. There is no trade now."
Hamad Muhammad, who works in a mobile phone shop on Bury New Road, said: "The people who came to buy counterfeit goods used to spend money in other shops too.
"They would buy a phone, toys or get something to eat. All that is gone now. We can't afford the city centre so are kind of stuck here."
Meheoob Ellani, who lives in the area, added: "You can't criticise the police because they only did their job. They had to do it. But now people are staying away."
Alex Rossi, 29, added: "I live nearby with my partner and two young children, aged one and two. It's fine around here but we are moving to Hulme to be nearer to the kids' nursery.
"We have not had any issues around here really. It's a bit scruffy at times but the people are nice. I read something about the police raids but that had nothing to do with me.
I hope this is a warning that no matter how many times you try to reopen, we will continue to seize your belongings and profits.
Matt Donnelly
"To be honest I have been fairly happy around here. But my partner thought we should move. It's probably for the best in the long run."
Both Manchester and Salford councils have joined forces to develop a master plan to regenerate the area around Strangeways prison.
Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Strangeways is a gateway into our city centre and therefore it is a priority area for investment in the coming years.
"We know there is huge potential here, and this regeneration framework is a statement of intent that we are committed to realising the untapped value of this neighbourhood.
“Following months of intensive operations between the Council, GMP and other agencies we have worked to remove the criminal enterprises that have undermined the reputation of the area and limited the chance for existing legitimate businesses to prosper.
“We now want to see a plan that supports the area’s existing employment base, whilst also setting out an ambitious low-carbon development programme that will deliver new homes, quality public realm and new commercial spaces that can support businesses to grow and invest in the area.”
Speaking about the raids, Greater Manchester Police Detective Sergeant Matt Donnelly said the "criminals" operating in the area "are so brazen".
He continued: "The minute they think they spot an opening, they’re back up and running as though it’s business as usual.
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"We’re here to show them that this isn’t the case, and we will not stop until these illegitimate shops are eradicated and those responsible are locked up.
“I hope this is a warning that no matter how many times you try to reopen, we will continue to seize your belongings and profits, making sure none of this money can make its way back into the criminal market."
