10 years of hell at hands of yobs

Man at ‘breaking point’ after decade of anti-social gang problems:

THE kids involved change, but the problem stays the same.

For ten years, Kyle Rickards says, he has been plagued by large groups of youths hanging about in the churchyard next to his Rochdale home.

One night it might be bottles being smashed against the wall of his house, another it might be footballs being repeatedly kicked against his walls.

He might wake up to find his security camera has been smashed, or that hanging baskets have been ripped from the wall. And each time he tries to remonstrate with those he believes are responsible, he is met with a barrage of abuse.

Kyle, 46, is epileptic and suffered a stroke in 2012 which stopped him from working. And now, he says, the problem of youths congregating in the grounds of Spotland Methodist Church is driving him to ‘breaking point.’

“I’ve got so frustrated with it,” he said. “Since I had the stroke I don’t tend to go out much. I am terrified to leave the house to see what I will come back to.”

Kyle has been in regular contact with his local councillors and the town hall, making at least six complaints to the police over the most serious incidents.

But still the anti-social behaviour continues. What would really help, he believes would be the extension of alleygates that block off the lane behind neighbouring houses to be extended to include his end of terrace property. But, because a public right of way runs between his home and the church, it’s not possible.

“I feel constantly intimidated by these people,” Kyle said. “Their actions are having a huge impact on my health. I will genuinely have to sell my house and move if this cannot be resolved.”

Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale council, said: “As with every report of anti-social behaviour, we are working with the police to address the resident’s concerns and we have taken action to ensure this area is patrolled.”

Greater Manchester Police said they were unable to comment at this time.

Kyle Rickards says his life has been made a misery for 10 years by yobs in Rochdale

Kyle Rickards says his life is being made a misery by yobs congregating outside his house