Residents’ street boozing fears
RESIDENTS’ FEARS AS LARGE GROUPS GATHER
RESIDENTS in Ancoats fear a rise in antisocial behaviour is ruining one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Manchester.
Loud music, littering and street drinking has taken over the area’s popular Cutting Room Square, some homeowners have claimed.
One resident, who didn’t wish to be named, compared the area to Piccadilly Gardens – which is notorious for antisocial behaviour.
“This year I have seen a lot of changes with the way lockdown has affected the type of people coming into Ancoats and being disrespectful,” the resident said.
“I think it started when lockdown began to ease and people could go outside, probably around late May.
“We noticed a lot more people being in Cutting Room Square that were perhaps not from round here.”
The resident said groups of people will drive cars into the square and drink all day, often littering and playing loud music.
“It’s the drinking, noise and behaviour to people walking through the square that’s the worst,” the homeowner said.
“These people are still coming to the square but may not be buying from businesses who own the square, and are instead bringing their own drinks.
“People have been urinating in doorways and stairways and openly do drugs. I understand that I live in the city centre and it’s going to be noisy but these people are coming in groups of more than six – which is not allowed.
“They are drinking and then deciding who should drive the car which is dangerous for everyone in the area not just them.”
The resident said his friends and neighbours have been verbally abused, and that some have received homophobic abuse.
He said: “I work from home and even during the day there are groups of people out there drinking Budweiser at 11am.
“It could definitely become the new Piccadilly Gardens and it’s a shame for everyone who lives here, but particularly the businesses.”
The resident says the behaviour has made him consider moving from the area, as he is worried his flat could lose value.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester council, said: “We are aware of reports of antisocial and criminal activity in the Cutting Room Square area and are working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“We urge residents to report incidents of antisocial behaviour, via www.manchester.gov.uk, or to contact the police if any criminal activity is witnessed.”