We live in drug-ravaged town next to millionaire’s row loved by celebs… gangs recruit kids & burnt a rival to death

LOCALS in a drug ravaged town where gangs recruit kids and "burn rivals to death" sits just down the road from a millionaire's row.

Skelmersdale, in West Lancashire, has become a drugs market controlled by violent gangs from Liverpool and Manchester.

Robert Beattie, 48, was burnt to death in his home by a Liverpool drug gang who were trying to stamp their control on the town.

Preston Crown Court heard how Mr Beattie died amid a turf war for control of lucrative drug markets in Skelmersdale.

Now locals have spoken to The Sun about the reality of life in Skelmersdale.

The new town, known for its endless roundabouts and elevated walkways, is just a short drive from leafy Aughton which is home to celebrities such as Tony Bellew.

A map created by the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC) shows the startling contrast between Ormskirk and Skelmersdale.

Parts of Skelmersdale, such as Digmoor, are listed as some of the country's most deprived areas and are highlighted on the CDRC map of Indices of Deprivation for England in 2019.

Digmoor shows a high concentration of areas marked in red, which show the highest levels of deprivation.

In contrast Aughton is mainly populated by blue areas, which show areas with the lowest levels of deprivation.

The grim neighbourhoods are less than 15 minutes drive from leafy Aughton, which is home to multi-million pound homes and a Michelin star restaurant.

Amanda-Jane Hardwick, a volunteer at the Evermoor Hub in Digmoor, said: "Since lockdown we have seen a growing issue with mental health , drug and alcohol abuse.

"I think when people became isolated they started to seek solace in cannabis, cocaine and alcohol.

"You can spot the signs fairly quickly. With cannabis users they start to smell of weed, and cocaine and alcohol affects mood and behaviour. You can just tell."

"Sadly people end up spending a lot of money on cocaine, and then they stop buying food and other essentials.

"Drug users tend to stop working and just go on the sick . That is what they want to do with their time."

Amanda-Jane said she knew of scores of people in the community who died after succumbing to drink and drugs, including a member of her own family.

She said that she had stopped drinking alcohol several months ago and was now enjoying life as a teetotal.

Amanda-Jane explained that some locals were becoming increasingly concerned by gangs of youths that hang around shops at night.

She said that there was more serious crime in the area which was controlled by drug gangs from Liverpool and Manchester.

She said: "The gangs recruit kids in the area to sell drugs for them. We see big cars coming and going. We know what is going on. They use the motorway network to get in and out very quickly."

Amanda-Jane said that the Evermoor hub had been affected by crime in the area.

Last year she said a local man approached the centre with a replica firearm and machete, when he made threats.

She praised the neighbourhood police who sometimes called into the centre but felt there could be more visibility in the town as a whole.

Lyn Brown, also a volunteer at the centre, said: "My husband is from Ormskirk and I grew up in Skelmersdale.

"When we were dating his family would tease me a bit about my scouse accent. Skelmersdale was seen as a bit rough.

"But I am proud of Skelmersdale and our community spirit. We do ok thanks very much."

Hayley Thomas, who manages a florist in town's Concourse Shopping centre, said: "To start with the Concourse needs more footfall. We just don't get enough people in here. There is also a lack of facilities for teenagers.

"The swimming pool is shocking and I refuse to take the kids there. And our nearest accident and emergency for children closes at midnight. After that you have to go to Liverpool."

Steve Smith, originally from Glasgow, said: "I don't like the groups of kids you get hanging around outside the shops at night.

"It's really intimidating. I often go back to Glasgow to watch Celtic and feel a lot safer up there than I do in Skem."

Robert Beattie was rushed to hospital after the horrific attack at his home on the night of September 25 2019.

At first locals assumed it was a house fire, until a police investigation established that the victim had been doused in petrol and then set on fire. Mr Beattie clung to life for two weeks but later died.

Connah Jenkinson, 26, was jailed for life after being found guilty of murder and arson with intent.

John O'Brien, 33, and Joseph McEwan, 20, who were with Jenkinson on the night of the murder, were found guilty of manslaughter and arson.

Sentencing Jenkinson, O'Brien and McEwan, Judge Justice Turner told them: "You all turned up outside the house of Robert Beattie in another part of Skelmersdale once more equipped with petrol.

"You, Jenkinson, intended not merely to frighten him but to cause him, at the very least, really serious injury.

"You all entered the property as a team members of which squirted him and his home with petrol.
"You were there when the petrol was set alight."

The thugs spent much of the trial laughing and joking, which caused Mr Beattie's family huge distress.