A STREET plagued by anti-social behaviour has been described as a "living nightmare" by a resident who has lived in the area for more than 50 years.

Police have stepped up patrols on Glebe Street in Leigh after receiving reports including drug-dealing and carrying weapons such as metal bars and baseball bats.

Doors being smashed in, threats being made and graffiti are other concerns that have been brought to officers' attentions.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Glebe Street is like a living nightmare.

"It is lawless and I am amazed nobody has been killed there.

"The street has gone from being a great place to the worst in Leigh.

"There are often gangs of 70 people hanging around outside on the road - it is very intimidating walking past.

"There is a camera on the road which we thought would have helped but police have still had to come out."

The resident also mentioned people are moving out of the area quickly and house prices have been plummeting under £40,000.

Leigh West councillor Dane Anderton has been on Glebe Street speaking to residents.

He said the local authority is pressing for closure orders on certain properties and is working with the police on the issue.

Leigh Journal:

Glebe Street in Leigh. Picture: Google Maps

Wigan Council’s cabinet member for police, crime and civil contingencies, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: “We are taking the concerns of residents extremely seriously.

“We are continuing to work with local councillors, GMP, Jo Platt MP, Leigh Neighbours and Leigh Residents Association to look at what needs to be done to tackle these ongoing issues.

“There are a number of short-term practical measures which we have already taken including installing a rapid deployment camera.

“There will also be an increased police presence in the area and the council’s community resilience team, including representatives from GMP, Inspiring healthy lifestyles and targeted youth support, will be in the area.

“We’re working with GMP to explore the different types of civil enforcement which may be open to us including for example closure notices for properties or community protection notices. 

“However, we recognise more still needs to be in the long-term to tackle some of the historical issues in this area.

"A strategy addressing this will look at ASB, housing, environmental issues and community cohesion.

“While some of these matters are very complex and will not be resolved overnight, we are all determined to tackle the anti-social behaviour and to improve the quality of life for people affected.

“We would encourage local residents to keep reporting any concerns to the police on 101.”

Leigh Journal:

Leigh MP Jo Platt

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Leigh MP Jo Platt said after a successful joint agency month of action last year, "residents are still in the front line of anti-social behaviour and intimidation 12 months later".

She said: "Residents in Glebe Street and surrounding areas are quite rightly concerned by ongoing antisocial and criminal behaviour.

"Having called the meeting last year between the council police, residents and businesses – I was encouraged by the initial response that has had a positive effect and continue to be so by some the difficult work that has been done since the ‘Month of action’.

"Both the council and GMP recognise the seriousness and impact that anti-social behaviour is having to the area and I will continue to ensure that the matter is kept high on the agenda.

"That being said, with residents still in the front line of antisocial behaviour and intimidation 12mths later – clearly more needs to be done.

"A recent meeting with stakeholders acknowledged some of the good work being done in the community and identified areas that still need to be addressed.

"I will keep a very close eye developments and ask that anyone who is experiencing antisocial behaviour to report it either to the council or to GMP by phoning 111.

"This is a serious problem and it will only ever be resolved by working together."

Three meetings that will give residents the chance to discuss the problem will be held next week.

There will be a Leigh Residents Association meeting at Compassion In Action on Leigh Road on Wednesday, September 4 at 7.30pm.

On Friday, September 6, here will be a police surgery from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Leigh Neighbours Project on Walmesley Road.

The following day, Saturday, September 7 from 11am to noon, Leigh West councillors will hold its next surgery at Leigh Library.

Everyone is welcome to attend all of the meetings.