Furious residents sick of disorderly behavior and rubbish in Hathershaw

Angry Hathershaw residents say they are hitting a brick wall as their complaints about fly-tipping and noise caused by rowdy gangs playing football into the early hours continue to be ignored.

Some of the local people have lived in the area for over 25 years and have raised concerns at meetings held with councillors and the police, but they claim the matter is more rife now than previously stated.  

Community ambassador Joyce Todd, of Villa Road, said: “It is exactly the same, balls are being thrown over gardens and there’s noise from youths and men until the early hours.  

“When we approach them, they become aggressive.” 

Hendryk Maluta (63), of Avon Street, said gangs were throwing rubbish over the gates of Boston House, which supports people with complex needs following brain injury. 

He said: “We have had the police in the area, and they just move these youths on, and we all feel that they have gone soft on them because nothing is being done. All we want is peace and quiet, especially in the evenings.” 

Mrs Todd said that they had received a letter from Oldham MP Debbie Abrahams proposing measures to stop fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour but the residents do not believe it. 

She said: “This has been going on for years. I moved into an area that was once lovely. I fought for my house and got on with all communities and helped each other in time of need. 

“I was walking down Panmure Street and the group of lads walked over to my face and started playing loud Romanian music in my face and then asked me if I liked it.  

“Around the corner, they had parked a BMW from which they were throwing rubbish out and when I told them to stop, they continued. 

“There is a resident who has lived in the area for 30 years and she is selling her house because gangs sit on her side wall and congregate on the corner of her property. It is completely out of order. There’s also illegal gambling going on. There are also large bins on pavements with cars parked close to them which means wheelchair access is restricted."

Another resident, Raheela Jan (47), said: “The youths are playing in the alleyways next to my house and hurl balls into my garden and then terrorise me to hand them back constantly.” 

Caroline Maluta (69), sobbed as she explained she cannot see her grandchildren as often as she likes as she feels it is not safe for them to visit her.  

Diane Lamb (65), of Falmouth Street, said she was up in arms with IK Motors because of parking issues.  

She added: “There are so many cars and when I had my grandchild over, I could not get the pushchair to my house due to access problems. I have spoken to the boss of the garage, but nothing has been done. We can’t take this anymore.” 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Our local Oldham team are always proactively looking to tackle crime when they can, utilising all the appropriate resources and partners where necessary. 

"We understand how distressing acts of violence and anti-social can be; it is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in our community. 

"Work is ongoing around these issues and is being monitored by the local neighbourhood policing team, who continue to problem-solve and carry out targeted operations in the area.” 

Oldham Council was approached for comment.