Residents on Orchard Drive in Grimsby say their living conditions have become intolerable due to persistent issues with antisocial behaviour.
Locals say they have been harassed and attacked by youths living in the area, and that there have been problems with theft, attacks and vandalism for years. Gi Grimsby News visited the road and also witnessed issues with antisocial driving. As a result, residents said they were afraid to allow their children to play outside, and some courier services have now stopped servicing the street.
One resident who wished to remain anonymous described how the situation on the street seemed to be going ‘backwards’, explaining that conditions were becoming intolerable.
He said: “In one incident there was a Royal Mail van on the street which got smashed and robbed. The post lady is ringing the head office terrified, and now they’re unable to deliver a lot of the time. And it’s not just Royal Mail. Two weeks ago an Amazon driver had kids jumping on the back of the van. We’ve had Iceland deliveries and some kids throw apples at them, and try to get the doors open, and this is in the middle of the day.
“It’s come to a stage where we are just absolutely fed up with it. There’s people on the street with kids and it’s unsafe for them to play out. These youths are just wrecking the street. It’s very unsafe, and it feels like we’re a forgotten street. They’re just running havoc on the street. I just think we’ve gone backwards in regard to anti-social behaviour.
“There’s no deterrent. You can’t control the kids, and I wouldn’t even attempt to talk to the parents.”
Gi Grimsby News spoke to Humberside Police who confirmed that one such incident which occured this month had resulted in a 19-year-old being arrested and charged after packages were stolen from a delivery van.
In a letter sent to residents by Royal Mail, a spokesperson for the Grimsby office said their delivery staff had been subjected to “unacceptable abusive behaviour” while delivering in the area. They stated that if the situation continues they would have to consider suspending mail deliveries to the street.
Humberside Police, Longhurst Housing Group and local Lib Dem councillors are understood to be working together towards a resolution. Discussions are ongoing regarding the possible installation of CCTV and the creation of a neighbourhood watch group.
East Marsh Ward Councillor, Nicola Aisthorpe, said: “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing issues residents on Orchard Drive are facing. No one should have to live in fear or anxiety about their personal safety and access to essential services. This current situation is completely unacceptable.
“Several residents have said that this was not an issue in the past, due to the strong vetting process that existed previously, but they feel it has now weakened considerably.
“My ward colleagues, Cllr Beasant and Cllr Emmerson, and I are working closely with Humberside Police and Longhurst housing providers, to take action and work together to restore peace to the community.
“Recently, we organised a multi-agency day of action together where we knocked on every door on Orchard Drive to offer support.
“Additionally, my ward colleagues and I are in discussions with the Council about installing CCTV. I am also supporting several residents keen to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Group focused on reclaiming their community. Residents have had enough, and we are fully committed to helping bring about the changes they deserve”.
A Longhurst Group spokesperson added: “We are aware of some incidents of anti-social behaviour on Orchard Drive.
“We’re actively working closely with all parties in these cases and we will take appropriate tenancy action if required.
“We’re absolutely committed to working with our partner agencies, including the local authority and police to ensure that our communities are safe and enjoyable places to live.
“Therefore we would encourage our residents to continue to report any incidents through to us. This will allow us to thoroughly investigate and take action where appropriate.”
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant David Bullock said: “Myself and my team work closely with partnering agencies and the community to implement plans to ensure this area of Grimsby remains a safe and enjoyable place to live.
“My officers know this area well and regularly carry out patrols to provide reassurance and speak with residents about any concerns they may have.
“Just this week a man has been charged after we received a report that packages had been taken from a delivery van on Orchard Drive.
“I would encourage residents to please speak to us. Talking to people in our communities provides us with information which helps us build the bigger picture and then take action to tackle crime in our area.
“Whether it be speaking to officers when you see them out, by calling our non-emergency number 101, or 999 in an emergency, or by emailing the local community team – we want to hear from you.”
