A WORRIED neighbour says residents are living in fear of rampaging yobs on an estate.

The man, who has asked to remain anonymous, painted a picture of lawlessness and chaos on Manor Road in Haydock. He claims police and Community Support officers are on the small estate every night, but that has not stopped the disorder.

He said: “It’s a complete tip. Tyres hang from lampposts and trainers from telephone wires. Anybody who comes here for the first time must wonder what the hell they have stepped into.

“You can guarantee that on a Friday night, there will be up to 30 people hanging around the streets. And these aren’t little kids, we are talking 17 and upwards. One pensioner I know will drive 150 yards to the local social club because he’s too scared to walk.

“It’s got to be one of the worst streets in the region. I have lived here for years but would move in a second if I could. No one seems capable of doing anything. Only the other weekend someone got a kicking and ended up in hospital.

“Everything is going on, from kicking a football against your windows, to drunkenness and vandalism. They seem to be running rings around the police.”

He said property is almost worthless, because no one wants to live there, adding: “This used to be a friendly place to live, but now we could break records for the amount of police visits.

“No one goes out once it’s dark. Once you’re in, you stay in!”

Newly installed Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Lowe for Newton-le-Willows and Haydock, insisted police are working to tackle the disorder, saying: "We are working closely with St Helens Council and Helena Housing to tackle anti-social behaviour and we are committed to eradicating anti-social behaviour on Manor Road. A number of Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) have been issued to youths in the area and we are monitoring the situation closely. We have also increased police patrols on Manor Road to reassure the local community.

  • "I would urge anyone who has information about anti-social behaviour to call St Helens detectives on 0151 777 6155 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."