The Curry Mile is undoubtedly one of the city's most famous streets. The stretch of Wilmslow Road connecting the city centre to Fallowfield and beyond is known far and wide for its historic selection of authentic curry houses, sweet shops, cafes, and more.
However, the owners of two businesses that have stood on the Rusholme street for decades recently told the Manchester Evening News that the Curry Mile was no longer living up to its famous reputation. They spoke of increased visible crime, from drug dealing to muggings, aggressive begging, rats, litter and anti-social driving, which they say is discouraging people from visiting and severely affecting business.
Instead of being the city's brightest illustration of spirit of enterprise and diversity it has gone "downhill," said Abdullah Albaydar, whose family have run restaurant Al Jazeera for more than 30 years. Muhammad Khader, who runs the Jafra restaurant amongst other businesses, agreed.
READ MORE: 'It used to be beautiful': The Curry Mile restaurateurs who say it's 'gone so downhill'
"There’s a lot of gangs and crime here now, it’s not for families anymore," Abdullah said. Muhammad added: "It used to be a really beautiful place, really amazing with a great atmosphere, but it’s gone so downhill over the last few years."
Most concerningly, Abdullah said: "People come expecting to see a really good atmosphere. Families come from all over the north and the rest of the world, Dubai, Singapore, at the weekend because they’ve heard it’s a good place for them without the usual pubs and alcohol. But they don’t come back because of these kinds of problems.
"We get people here who come from abroad after hearing about the famous Curry Mile in Manchester but they are so disappointed once they get here."
The story received a lot of feedback online, with readers and residents giving their views on the current state of the area.
On the M.E.N.'s Facebook page, Maria Nugent commented: "I have been going to the same restaurant in Rushome for 32 years. We went a couple of weeks ago and it was as awful as described in your article."
What do you think? Have your say in our comments.
Inaya added: "It has definitely gone downhill. I remember going here as a child and growing up with some really good places to eat. But I think the demographic has changed now, it's no longer good for curry, and the desi places that are there are way below par."
The issue of safety was raised by a number of visitors. Steve Bigger said: "Used to go all the time but stopped years ago. Last time with my wife and young kids and just didn't feel safe, street corner gangs and wannabe gangsters in souped up crappy cars staring at us as if we shouldn't be there."
Nina Chaudhry added: "It’s awful there, too crowded, no decent parking facilities, cars driving too fast and begging. Smell of cannabis is overpowering, feel so vulnerable."
Kat Car said: "It’s never been beautiful! Always been a scruffy unkept place. But decades ago the curries/kebabs were fantastic! As a single female was never bothered to drive/nip down there after the club and grab a bite to eat. Now it’s just too intimidating and dangerous."
It was clear from many who commented that they had enjoyed the iconic strip in past days, but had not enjoyed it since. Chris Howarth said: "Too much competition in the city centre nowadays. Last time I went to Rusholme all my old favourites had gone, so I haven't bothered since." Stephen Gibbons added: "It used to be a very enjoyable place to eat. What a shame!"
Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council both spoke out on what they are doing to tackle the issues raised by the business owners. GMP said they take a 'zero tolerance' approach to crime in the area, have increased the use of stop and search, and have been meeting with locals and businesses about how they can help them.
The council said they are committed to working with police to tackling anti-social behaviour in the area, and urged people to report fly-tipping. They added that at the end of last year they launched a project 'exploring how the Rusholme District Centre could be improved and what could be done to support existing residents and businesses'.
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