Families on run from local louts

FED-UP families claim they are being forced out of their own neighbourhood by unruly yobs.

Fitton Hill residents have slammed the police and social landlords Villages Housing Association for not doing enough.

Mother-of-three Wendy Porritt (34) said she moved out of The Spur at the weekend because of two years of harassment. And she claims at least two other households are set to follow her lead.

The full-time carer said: “I’ve seen drinking from 4pm in the afternoon, drug-dealing and drug-taking. Plus, there are fights at the weekend.

“Seven youths with bolt cutters tried to steal property from my garden and neighbours have had property and cars vandalised. I’ve even had threats to have my throat cut while out walking at 8pm. We just want to live without fear.”

Mrs Porritt said both the housing association and police were failing residents.

She added: “There are some amazing families here who cannot live a decent life.

“We’ve been keeping diaries for months so there should be enough evidence to take action — but nothing has happened.”

On Saturday, a Neighbourhood Agreement for the Medlock Vale ward, which includes Fitton Hill, was signed. The contract is designed and agreed to by residents and the provider services in the area detailing their intentions, but Mrs Porritt said residents had not been consulted.

She said: “This area could be a brilliant neighbourhood as there is a great sense of community. But we are being failed by the landlords and feel completely stranded.”

In a combined response from Villages Housing Association, Oldham Community Safety Unit and Greater Manchester Police, a spokeswoman said a number of legal actions had occurred over the last 12 months, including one eviction and one postponed possessions order.

She added: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

A council spokesman said: “One of the top priorities for the Neighbourhood Agreement will be to investigate and tackle anti-social behaviour. This agreement will help to provide a safe and secure community in Medlock Vale.”