A largely residential suburb, Cheadle Heath, has been the home for a series of incidents over the summer which has left homeowners concerned over their safety. The quiet area, located just two miles to the west of the town centre has been the epicentre for a series of crime-related activity, and residents are appealing to the Mayor of Greater Manchester about their concerns.
Residents and local councillors have appealed to Andy Burnham urging him to get a grip on crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Representatives for both Edgeley and Cheadle Heath directed an open letter to Mr Burnham outlining their concerns over the “current level of crime and disorder”.
During the summer, the areas have been blighted with increased reports of burglaries and car crime - as well as ongoing issues with off-road bikes, and the councillors say that they are growing “frustrated” due to “poor communication from Greater Manchester Police” (GMP).
The Cheadle Heath area has been impacted, as in recent weeks a 40-year-old man was stabbed in Birchfield Road, while just around the corner - in Sherborne Road - a teenage boy was viciously assaulted by a gang of youths.
Residents who spoke to Manchester Evening News voiced their concern over the lack of safety they feel, claiming that there has been a lack of police presence following the incidents too which feeds into their worries.
Brian Lund, who lives on Elm Road South, off Sherborne Road told the outlet: “I would agree more needs to be done - well, something needs to be done, something would be nice.
“Recently there has been an assault down at the end of that road [Sherborne Road] and a stabbing around the corner [Birchfield Road] - lots of cars being nicked, lots of cars being stolen.
“You just don’t really feel safe, you don’t see any police.”
READ MORE: Police warn 'do NOT approach this man' after stabbing in suburb
The resident, aged 55, recently responded to a police leaflet that came through his door following the assault that took place on Sherborne Road.
Mr Lund offered photographs he felt might help with enquiries, but received no response.
The resident expressed his sympathy with the police over the cuts they have had to absorb, but also stated: “I have never felt this unprotected or unsafe.
"I have just had my driveway done because I don’t want my car outside, but I don’t know if it makes it any more secure to be honest.”
Grandfather-of-four Gerrard Scott also expressed his concerns about the lack of police presence in the area.
He said: "I’m used to them in the 40s and 50s walking up and down the street. They should be on the streets, not in cars all the time or looking for people calling people funny names all the time."
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His sentiments were echoed by retired bookkeeper Enid Williamson, who said that while she doesn't feel unsafe having police patrolling the streets would make her "happier".
The 80-year-old said: "There could be more police presence walking about, you would feel a lot happier if that happened.
"I don’t mean swamping it, but walking down occasionally. It would be nice to see a policeman. But when they seem to get hold of the children - or youths - nothing seems to happen, they just walk away from it."
Another resident from Sherborne Road, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals told the outlet that "it’s bad round here" in reference to recent crime activity.
The individual stated that while there may be worse off places, the level of crime was unexpected. He said: "In our little sleepy suburb you shouldn’t have to live in fear, you shouldn’t have to live like that".
While some report that teens, like those who congregate at the shops on Stockport Road - near its junction with Birchfield Road, are probably just "fed up and bored", and the issue isn’t as bad as a few years ago, others may find their presence alarming.
Opinions on how big a problem Cheadle Heath is facing vary, but many comment on how others may feel "intimidated" by groups of kids hanging around.
A 33-year-old resident who asked not to be named said: "I’m okay personally but I know a lot of people would be. It’s hard not to be intimidated when there’s a big group of kids.
"It can be intimidating even if they are not doing anything particularly wrong - they are all dressed in black with their hoods up."
Following the letter from councillors, Mr Burnham has welcomed Greater Manchester Police's new chief constable Stephen Watson's "forward plan for Greater Manchester", which outlines a new direction for policing in the city region.
Mr Burnham and deputy Baroness Bev Hughes say they "feel sure feel sure the chief constable’s public promises will be strongly welcomed" by residents, and hope people will agree his plan addresses concerns raised by councillors and MPs.
Included in the plans were aims to reduce call time, an increase in the number and speed of crimes recorded and investigated and an initiative which will see officers attend every case of burglary in Greater Manchester.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiaGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay8xNDkzMDk1L3N0b2NrcG9ydC1tYW5jaGVzdGVyLWNoZWFkbGUtaGVhdGgtY3JpbWUtcmVzaWRlbnRzLWZlYXItc2FmZXR50gFsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwcmVzcy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLzE0OTMwOTUvc3RvY2twb3J0LW1hbmNoZXN0ZXItY2hlYWRsZS1oZWF0aC1jcmltZS1yZXNpZGVudHMtZmVhci1zYWZldHkvYW1w?oc=5
2021-09-18 11:03:35Z
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