Gangs of youths terrorise community

Hardman Lane 7.45pm. bags probably used for drugs on the pavement

Residents of a stretch of road in Hardman Lane, Failsworth are at breaking point because of the behaviour of a gang of youths who hang round the local off-licence.

The problem has been worsening for three years and now up to 60 youths at a time, some on drugs, gather at the Metrolink stop and bridge near the store.

Children as young as 12 cause trouble late into the night; some even travel from Manchester to congregate in Failsworth, and there have been reports of objects being thrown at passing cars and trams and locals having their windows smashed.

That part of Hardman Lane is awash with empty drug snap bags, some of which have been found with traces of white powder still in them.

One resident, too afraid to be named, told the Chronicle that recently one group of yobs threw a bottle at a 73-year-old man after he refused to buy them alcohol.

The concerned resident added: “It is now at a point where people are too scared to leave their homes at night.

“They are out there every night. They have smashed windows, they threaten people and they are all clearly on drugs. You can smell the cannabis but they are clearly on other drugs too. Some look as young as 12. What is really concerning is the empty drug bags all over the streets.

“They ask people to buy them cigarettes and booze and when they say no they have abuse hurled at them. They’re animals.”

Another resident said the gang is “fearless”: “They simply don’t care. We call the police to deal with it and they send PCSOs down but the kids move on and come back when they’re gone. I even saw two PCSOs posing for selfies with the youths not long ago. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“The kids think they are invincible, they’re not scared of the police or anyone. They think they can just do what they want.”

The owner of Raja’s off licence has been unavailable for comment.

Failsworth West councillor Sean Fielding said police are doing all they can. Local councillors and police set up a youth club at Failsworth Town Hall to.

“I’ve been aware of the problem on Hardman Lane for some time; it’s why we set up the club. We’ll keep on helping residents the best we can.”

Warren Bates, Failsworth West ward UKIP councillor, said: “There is a real problem and it is getting worse. I know policing is tight with all the cuts and I fully support the police. Residents are complaining about being accosted on their way into the shop and this is not acceptable. Enough is enough.”

Elaine Garry, Failsworth West ward Labour councillor, said: “It is a concern and it is a matter for the police who we give our full support. Labour ward councillors work closely with PCSOs and bobbies on the beat but as I understand it a lot of these youths are coming from as far as Manchester and using the Metrolink to get here. Unfortunately is seems as though Failsworth is the attraction at the moment.”

But Sergeant Clem Jones of Oldham Division said: “Since the incidents with objects being thrown at trams we have only had reports of one incident on Friday August 7 when a group of youths were hanging around in the area.

“We are working closely with partners and have ongoing meetings to tackle these problems when they occur. I would urge members of the public to inform the police and we will work to address any concerns.”