Driving along the Downs, it seems like an estate like any other. But too many living on the Alkrington estate say their lives are plagued by crime.
The Manchester Evening News previously reported how residents were left too fearful to leave their homes due to a pandemic of antisocial behaviour. A month on - police have pledged to act.
Following our report, which highlighted how people living in the north Manchester suburb felt their anxiety spike, saw car parks and roads used as a 'rat run', with shop workers revealing they only felt safe when the shutters were down, GMPs Rochdale division vowed to tackle the problems - but say they need the help of the community to do so.
The force said they would 'act on rising crime in the Alkrington Estate' by 'addressing the lack of youth facilities for the people of the estate', 'making the community feel safer where they live' and 'making a real change' over the coming weeks.
They've urged those living in the area to help by actually reporting the crimes and working with the police and local council to voice their opinions. The Manchester Evening News understands that an operation is imminent.
'I pray for the rain'
Residents say little has improved in the month since the area's problems were laid bare. "If I get home and it's raining, I feel relieved because I know it will probably be a quieter night," one mum, who has lived there for 23 years, said. She claimed that since the meeting, she is yet to see police patrolling the streets.
"I just don't know what the solution is anymore. That's how bad it's gotten. These kids just do not care and it seems nothing will stop them.
"I am going on my third holiday this year - I need it living in this s*** hole. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place, I would love to move away for some peace, but at my time of life I don't want to be taking out another mortgage.
"It never used to be like this, I brought my adult son up around here, but now we have just been completely neglected. There is nowhere for kids to go and we never see the police on the streets.
"I know one mum with a little girl who wouldn't even let her go on the park because there were so many teenagers on it. They congregate there until all hours, smoking weed and shouting. The morning after you find loads of those gas cannisters all over the floor.
"Seeing the first story in the MEN, just made me realise how neglected everyone here has been. I felt embarrassed. I have had my windows smashed in, my car climbed on, my wing mirror ripped off and my car dented after stones were thrown at it. It's just awful.
"Years ago you'd see police patrolling much more, but now it feels like they only come out when something really bad happens.
"We need more police on the streets talking to these young people. We need people to understand how residents truly feel and want to see cameras in place to deter people from their behaviour."
'We don't expect change overnight'
Councillor Dylan Williams, who himself grew up in Alkrington, says he 'doesn't expect change overnight' and has pledged to kickstart a Crimestoppers Anonymous campaign following a public meeting with police on August 31, urging those living there to keep reporting incidents in the hope it will make a difference.
"We want to work with housing and community safety, as well as the police to make sure people feel safe in coming forward and reporting things," he tells the Manchester Evening News. "People here don't have much trust in the police currently, and the meeting was a step forward, but for so long they have worried about telling tales or the fear of reprisals if they report it."
Another local resident, who has lived in the area for over two decades, said 'seeing is believing', however he acknowledged that those living in Alkrington need to play their part. His home was broken into last year and he didn't report it.
He said: "My concern is definitely the range of crime in Alkrington, primarily vehicle and property crime, but I know people struggle with groups of young people causing all sorts of nuisance.
"I've experienced a burglary myself in the last year, and my neighbour had his work van broken into on a Sunday afternoon in broad daylight, I witnessed it myself.
"The point is, I feel criminals are more visible in Alkrington than the police. We just need to know a clear plan that police have to deal with these issues, let's see a joined up approach with the council and some real engagement with the public.
"Let's hear what action is actually going to happen. How is this going to be tackled?
"I understand it's the responsibility of everyone, including the community. As a resident and member of the public, we have to take basic security precautions for our home and everyone needs to do their bit.
"Certainly my perception is that crime here has changed. There has always been a level of problems here, but not like this. I didn't bother reporting the burglary on my home as it just didn't feel like it was worth the hassle. That is the issue - there is definitely a measure of underreporting going on."
Councillor Dylan Williams continued: "It still feels like there is some denial about major problems in the area people are facing. We are still very concerned, and know that changes won't happen overnight.
"Even though some of it is low-level crime, people are dealing with it every day. Drug dealings outside of their homes and groups of teenagers in balaclavas with weapons, which is intimidating.
"These small things going on constantly can still really impact people's lives. There is a distrust with the police and that will take time to build up.
"I want them to act on what they said and demonstrate higher patrols to show they are acting on certain intelligence I have made them aware of. They could issue dispersal orders or curfews."
'We need people voice their opinions. That's when we can start to see a real change'
The Manchester Evening News understands that Greater Manchester Police are planning their action in the area to start imminently, and that it will involve working with the council, however details of their operations haven't been revealed to ensure they are not compromised.
Speaking after the local meeting, Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter, of the Rochdale Division, said she was 'deeply saddened' to hear members of the community 'feel this way about where they live'. She added that she 'recognised' how residents are 'frustrated' with police and added that they 'need members of the local community to report crimes' for real change to happen.
She said: "We attended the meeting to speak to members of the community to listen to all their concerns and discuss how we can work together to improve the community. I’m deeply saddened to hear those members of the community in the Alkrington and Langley areas feel this way about where they live and I understand their concerns about how their community looks in the eyes of the media.
“We recognise that some members of the community are frustrated with the police or feel like they cannot approach the police out of fear for themselves or their families and neighbours. We need members of the local community to report crimes, to tell the police and the local council about areas where they feel are unsafe and to voice their opinions and that’s when we can start to see a real change.
“We are working day in and out to ensure we keep our communities safe and want justice for everyone, but we cannot do this without your help. GMP Rochdale’s division are committed to working with partners, the local authorities, and charities to tackle the issues raised and make Middleton an area that people feel safe and are proud to live in. We will continue to work with the local community and partners over the coming weeks to tackle these issues and hopefully see a real change."
The community is being urged to report crimes via 999 in an emergency, or via 101 to report other crimes. People can also report crimes through the reporting function via www.gmp.police.uk and to Crimestoppers anonymously.
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