Residents Report Enhanced Safety Following Estate Closure to Non-Residents

Residents of the Freehold estate in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, have expressed feeling safer over a month after the implementation of an Open Space Closure Order Zone, which restricted access to non-residents. This measure was enforced by police on 4 November. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) mandated the closure of 19 residential blocks within the estate to individuals who do not reside there. This action followed a surge in drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour. Residents, who previously reported being afraid to venture out at night, now state they feel more secure and assured when leaving their homes. This three-month closure order was instituted after GMP identified “incessant drug dealing” and the intimidation of residents in the area. At the time of the order’s implementation, residents who communicated with the Local Democracy Reporting Service voiced concerns that the shutdown might prove ineffective. However, police indicate that the estate began experiencing positive transformations within a month. GMP reported a decrease in both anti-social behaviour and drug-related offenses. A tenant from a Lydford block informed GMP, “This is the best thing to happen around here in a long time.” Similarly, an Upton block tenant conveyed to officers, “We definitely feel safer in the evenings and now feel confident going out.” The police force is collaborating with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) and Rochdale Borough Council with the aim to “build a prosperous community” within Freehold. Multiple raids have resulted in the seizure of drugs, cash, and weapons, leading to a total of 40 arrests since December 2023. Inspector Meena Yasin commented that while the force takes pride in the progress made to date, it must not become “complacent.” The closure order may potentially be extended, a decision which police stated would be reached in conjunction with residents and partners.