The Rochdale estate, infamous after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to damp and mold, now faces a new crisis that is leaving tenants fearful for their safety.
It's the estate where an unthinkable tragedy rocked the nation and led to a much-needed law change. But there's another problem that has gripped Freehold in recent years.
The M.E.N. has spoken to residents at Freehold on several occasions since 2022. While the focus back then was on damp, mould and disrepair, the conversation regularly turned to issues of crime and anti-social behaviour, as stories of violence and complaints of anti-social behaviour came up time and again.
Now 28, the M.E.N. spoke to her again this week. She spoke of being fearful for her safety on the estate - and insisted she is not alone. "It's not safe. It's not safe for a child," she said. "My mate wants to move and she's got a small child... it's getting to the point where she can't leave the house when her partner isn't there.
"I do not want my children to grow up under these conditions and be influenced by these bad examples," he wrote in a letter used to try and secure a move away from Freehold. During summer 2022, the M.E.N. saw at least two properties which appeared to be used as drug dens - with individuals entering for short periods of time before quickly leaving.
She recalled a particularly terrifying moment of being followed home after returning from work in Manchester at 9pm. "I was walking through the estate and half the street lights were out," she said. "Sometimes when we are sleeping we can hear someone yanking on the door handle at night," he said. "I wake up in the middle of the night, come down and check it’s locked."
The resident recalled hearing windows being put through on the estate three times in about 18 months, while regularly hearing arguments and commotion. He insists he tries to stay out of the way of trouble, but the estate can be unsafe. "Young people are coming here - they are young girls, young boys, 14 to 17. It’s a junction here, they are taking a small bag, they are cycling off."
GMP said it would then 'hold the location' to prevent criminals from returning to the space, before working with RBH and Rochdale Council to 'build a prosperous community' at Freehold. Earlier this year, drugs, cash and weapons have all been seized from the estate during multiple raids.
Rochdale Estate Awaab Ishak Damp Mold Housing Crisis Tenant Safety
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