A month ago outsiders were banned from this estate… now tenants are feeling safer already

More than a month on from when a Rochdale estate was closed off to outsiders, residents say they’re feeling safer.

On 4 November, police swooped into the Freehold estate and announced they were shutting down the entire area, banning anyone other than residents from accessing the 19 blocks of flats.

The three-month closure order came amidst a litany of reports of crime rocking the area, with drug dealing rife and residents having to walk past people ‘doing their business in the stairwells’.

The estate came to national prominence last year as the scene of an unthinkable tragedy when two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in one of its flats following prolonged exposure to mould. But since then, crime has surged with a targeted GMP operation, Operation Affect, shutting down drug dens and arresting dozens of suspects.

Residents who spoke to the press at the time said they were too scared to leave the house at night. Other tenants feared the shutdown wouldn’t do anything to stop the drug dealing and antisocial behaviour that has plagued the estate for years. 

However, there is still a section of tenants that believe there is community spirit. Locals believe the majority of troublemakers don’t actually live in the area.

Many tenants welcomed the police intervention. According to Greater Manchester Police, they are already seeing positive changes in the space of a month.

GMP say they have already recorded a reduction in anti-social behaviour and drug crimes. The reasoning they give for this is because people can’t gather in or outside of the neighbourhood. 

A Lydford block tenant told GMP: “This is the best thing to happen around here in a long time. Getting rid of these ‘crack heads’ from the stairwells made it feel safer for us all.” 

 

 

The local democracy reporter went back to the area to hear from Freehold residents – to see what has actually changed since the closure order was imposed.

Jorciney Da Cruz, who lives in the Farringdon block, told the LDRS: “I see lots of drug dealing and antisocial behaviour going on. I think compared to 2-3 months ago it’s a bit quieter. 

“I see police all the time checking up on people or chasing them. There is now more police presence and less people out and about.”

The general feeling on the estate is that the problems have got better, but they’re not gone entirely. An Edlingham block resident believes the colder weather means less people are out and about, so the truth of the closure notice’s impact is not yet clear.

Her friend and Donnington block tenant added: “It’s still happening but it’s not as bad. It’s just the teenagers smoking weed really. 

“I don’t have to shove past anyone. It used to be gangs of young lads, smoking, dealing and peeing on the stairwells. There is definitely less now.”

An Ilminster block resident said: “I used to sit out at night and there used to be drug dealers and junkies on the steps. It’s improved a hell of a lot but there is still an issue.”

The level of impact seems to differ depending on where you live on Freehold, with one tenant of the Montgomery block, closest to Drake Street, saying she has felt very little change.

She said: “There hasn’t been much change. The same thing is happening on the stairs. 

“Some teens are gathering when it’s raining, some are smoking weed when you pass, which isn’t great when you’ve got small kids. 

“Smoking is one thing but weed is another. There has been no change in my corner near Montgomery block. You see the issues regularly, some others may have seen change but I haven’t really.”
 

Read more: ‘As soon as it gets dark, that’s when it all starts’: Life on the estate where outsiders are banned from loiteringPublished: 06 November 2024

Earlier this year, GMP said the estate was the latest target for its ‘clear, hold, build’ initiative’. It’s the same approach that the force used on ‘Counterfeit Street’ to tackle the illicit trade around Bury New Road and Strangeways. The force said it would ‘ruthlessly pursue gang members and criminals to clear the area’.

The force said it would then ‘hold the location’ to prevent criminals from returning to the space, before working with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) and Rochdale Borough Council to ‘build a prosperous community’ at Freehold. Drugs, cash and weapons have all been seized during multiple raids.

A total of 40 arrests have also been made while a number of properties have already been issued with closure orders. Meanwhile, RBH have issued injunctions, termination of tenancies, and mandatory re-possessions.

 

 

Inspector Meena Yasin, who is leading the policing operation in Freehold, said: “We’re really proud of the work we have achieved with our partners and the community in Freehold so far, and it is great to receive such positive feedback from residents.

However, we cannot become complacent, and we continue to consult with the community and our partner agencies to ensure our approach remains positive and effective.

“This operation was launched for the residents of Freehold, many of whom have lived here for decades. We wanted to make a positive difference in their lives, and this Open Space Closure Order Zone is just one of the many tactics we have used to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.”

There is a possibility the closure order could be extended, but police bosses say this is a decision that would be made alongside residents and partners.

Hayley Stockham, RBH Director of Neighbourhood Services, said previously: “We continue to be fully committed to improving our communities, and a crucial part of this is having zero tolerance for crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We’re pleased to be able to work closely with our partners, including Greater Manchester Police, to tackle organised crime and make our communities safer.

“We know that there is crime and criminal behaviour taking place in the stairwells and communal areas at Freehold, and these new powers will help to tackle this criminal activity and help us to meet our goal of making sure Freehold is a safe neighbourhood that our customers are proud to call home.

“I want to reassure our customers that all this means is that it is easier for the police to remove criminals who are hanging around in the stairwells or on the passageways. They can still go about their day-to-day activities, and family, friends, and other visitors (like health and care workers) can still access the blocks as normal.

“Please report any crime to Greater Manchester Police. Customers can also report anti-social behaviour to RBH directly on 0800 027 7769 or via our website. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter