ON behalf of the residents of Grasmere Street, Leigh, I wholeheartedly support the comments expressed in Mrs P Bates’ letter regarding the disgraceful ongoing physical and social deterioration of this part of Leigh.

As residents we have had to suffer the terrible consequences of this neglect – gangs of unruly, noisy youths loitering late into the night, vandalism, drug-dealers shamelessly operating on street corners.

Decent, law-abiding residents feel vulnerable and intimidated, nervously awaiting the next football to come flying over and damage windows or cars.

It is a pity to see such a previously tidy, quiet and well-maintained area go to rack and ruin, largely because of landlords with no sense of social responsibility who see property merely as a profitable cash-cow and damn the community.

We feel sadly let down by our elected representatives, the councillors.

Our requests and pleas have met an impenetrable wall of indifference.

Our concerns are not taken seriously, we feel alone, despondent and frustrated.

For us residents, this is a crucial matter that needs urgent consideration and action, not mollifying words.

We need to see a concerted community response by councillors, police and other social agencies to improve the quality of life in this sadly forsaken part of a very proud town.

GRASMERE STREET RESIDENT