Residents blighted by anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping

Disgruntled residents say they are living like prisoners in their own homes due to the ever-rising anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping in the area.

Community ambassador Joyce Todd, of Villa Road, Hathershaw, said noise from youths playing football started each evening from 6pm, and continued into the early hours.  

She said when the rowdy group was confronted, they ganged up on the residents, making them feel intimidated.  

Another unhappy resident, Barbara Noble, of Ralstone Avenue, complained: “We have problems with noise and rubbish everywhere. 

“We have Boston House on Broadway Street, which is for people who have brain injury, and they do not care as they are kicking the ball over the fence and then climbing over to get it. 

“They are so loud. They are also kicking the ball into our gardens. I feel like a prisoner in my own home as I feel I cannot go out in the evening. 

“I think we are the only people who dread it when summer arrives as when the nights are darker, we feel safer.” 

Mohammed Liaqat, of Avon Street, said balls were kicked into his garden on most nights and he already had six in his cupboard. 

He said: “There’s drugs activity going on, car engines being revved every night and all this has been going on for five years. Just on New Year’s Day, the youths were out at 5am. "

Mrs Todd added that she was approached by the callous gang of youths one afternoon as she tried to take photographs of them acting disorderly. 

She said: “They are chewing sunflower seeds and spitting them on the floor. We got a petition together and many residents from the area were only too happy to sign it. 

“They have damaged the street sign which is hanging off the post. Debbie Abraham walked around the area a couple of weeks ago but what she needs to do is walk in the evening.  

“Families are not walking out late and if they do, they are taking the longer route to avoid the gangs because they feel intimidated by them. There is fly tipping everywhere with rubbish placed in bin bags which will no doubt attract vermin. 

“We have had help from Inspector Nick Derbyshire, and he has been good but the problem has not stopped.” 

The residents attend a meeting at the Alexandra Community Centre on Honeywell Lane, every three months, to raise their concerns but feel the problem has got worse. 

Caroline Maluta, who did not want her address printed because of repercussions, has been living in the area for 36 years and said she does not want to have to move out of the area but is not happy with the current situation.  

Raheela Jan, of Villa Road, explained that the area was plagued by fly-tipping and vacant properties which were attracting drug dealers.

In response to the fly-tipping in the area, Cllr Chris Goodwin, Cabinet member for Don't Trash Oldham, said: “Keeping our borough clean and tidy is one of our biggest priorities as a council. 

“Unfortunately, as this incident shows, there are some people who would rather dump their rubbish illegally because they don’t care about where they live. 

“That's why our teams are out every week gathering evidence to catch those responsible and we have prosecutions lined up, to ensure these people see their day in court for the mess they have created.” 

Inspector Nick Derbyshire from Oldham district added that  his team’s ongoing work in Hathershaw involved a number of regular partnership community meetings where they listened to local residents and councillors around their concerns and acted upon them within their wider partnership. 

He said: “We understand how anti-social behaviour blights the lives of residents and that is why we remain committed on listening and tackling concerns head-on through a variety of methods. 

“In 2021 we devised a neighbourhood team Operation to put in place a year-long initiative. It was aimed at tackling the issues raised in Hathershaw by our community.  

“At the conclusion we saw a decrease of 47% in anti-social behaviour and it resulted in a cleaner and safer area. The local community group remained in place to continue this legacy and liaise with us on a regular basis so we can carry on the efforts made by everyone, to make the community thrive to the best of our ability by working together.”