Blakenall Heath in Walsall has made national headlines after a spate of criminal incidents sparked numerous media outlets to brand it as “the UK’s roughest estate”.
Angry residents took to social media to express their concerns about the neighbourhood reaching breaking point over the last few weeks, and called for action to be taken against the individuals involved.
Shops at Blakenall Village centre – Google Maps
Blakenall ward councillor Pete Smith said: “I’ve seen first-hand how these problems have escalated and people are saying enough is enough.”
Fly-tipping, arson and abuse of local shopkeepers are among some of the offences recently reported, while a delivery driver was attacked last week and ended up in hospital with an eye injury after a bottle was thrown through his van window.
In one of the worse incidents, a live pigeon was allegedly torn apart in front of customers and staff outside a local shop.
The recent trouble is said to be caused by a small minority, with many residents pointing their fingers toward a group of “lawless” youngsters.
Independent councillor Pete Smith has been highlighting the issues in Blakenall for some time and compared an area of Dawson Street near to the shopping centre to a “scene from war-torn Ukraine,” where rubbish lays piled up in front of empty properties and windows are boarded up or broken.
“The shopping Centre in Blakenall village is seemingly “lawless” for much of the time. Shopkeepers are at the end of their tether at the on-going anti-social behaviour, crime and general lawlessness that is getting worse rather than better: People seem to be unanimous that the situation has got worse in the last few weeks and has never been as bad as it is now. I have now been in every shop in this “village ” centre and the message, feelings and utter despair of these shopkeepers is soul destroying, “ he wrote in Facebook post.
“Every shopkeeper has a story to tell and the stories are so similar and familiar. They are losing customers and losing heart. They are desperate for help. It’s obvious that many of these children and youths as a well as their parents and grandparents, in many cases, are known to the shopkeepers, to many of the customers & local residents and to the Police. Yet the situation not only continues, but actually worsens,” he added.
“The situation has become so serious that I am now convinced that a joint effort between the council, the police, the housing associations, with the support of residents, shoppers and shop workers, is the only way forward.”
Smith says that some local shopkeepers are even considering hiring private security for protection. Meanwhile, Walsall Housing Group says that they are aware of the “ongoing issues in this area regarding criminal activity and antisocial behaviour.”
In a statement, the director of housing, Gary Brookes stated: “The situation in Dawson Street is one we are taking very seriously. We are working with a number of partners including the police, council and the residents themselves to resolve these issues.”
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