A neighbour was "too scared" to go to work as "drunk and intoxicated people just collapse on the street" in a Nottingham suburb. Residents in Hyson Green have opened up about their fears amid reports of violence and anti-social behaviour.
The area, which groups Arboretum and Hyson Green together, has recorded the highest number of crime reports across the city, latest data reveals. The latest figures reveal this area recorded 289 crime reports - of which 105 were reports of violence and sexual offences, according to Home Office data published on police.uk.
Samia Khalid, 36, said she does not leave her home after dusk. She added: "I am recovering right now and I cannot work at the moment, but I was to be scared to walk to work in the morning. Drunk and intoxicated people just collapse on the street in the morning.
READ MORE: Men filmed 'fishing penny wishes' out of Nottingham Victoria Centre fountain
"Having a car is also dangerous here." She said people congregate outside Asda in Noel Street, causing trouble in the area. "They take drugs, they drink, especially in the evening. It is not normal - but it has become a normality for us in Hyson Green."
Alex O'Neil has lived in the area for four months. The 27-year-old software engineer has described his experience, adding: "They throw bottles on the road. People gather here to drink and do drugs.
"They do not bother other people. They just enjoy themselves."
It comes as Nottingham's Asda in Hyson Green has fenced off the side section of the store following incidents of anti-social behaviour. Speaking previously to Nottinghamshire Live, Site manager James Dorree said they have been asked to fence up the area following concerns for the staff safety.
He added: "There is a lot of graffiti, human waste and needles. It is not the safest environment for the staff at ASDA. This is a place for staff to come here when they need a break."
A resident who lives just opposite Asda on Noel Street added: "They are changing things around Asda and I think that is a telling thing. A thing I noticed recently is the people begging for money around the store."
The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has lived in the area for 15 years. He added: "It worries me that more people are sleeping rough around here. It is very sad that in the most deprived areas, you get to see an increase in violence and crime. It is affecting the whole community and it is a very sad situation."
Mahelsh Awllu, 47, commented: "It is a very dangerous area. I am always concerned for my safety when I walk around here."
He said that drug dealing is a problem in the area, adding: "I have seen crime happening here before my eyes. Drug dealers handing money and drugs before my eyes."
Overall, Nottinghamshire Police says anti-social behaviour incidents have fallen year-on-year. Inspector Ben Lawrence, who leads the City Central neighbourhood policing team, which covers Hyson Green, said: “We are currently in a very good place with local crime rates falling at a much higher rate than the national average. We work very closely with the community and partners such as the council. This partnership approach has led to a 35.9% reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour over the 2021-22 financial year in the Hyson Green and Arboretum area.
“It is an area of the city which has recorded overall crime reductions this year, particularly when compared to pre-Covid periods of 2019-2020 with lots of work being done around burglary and anti-social behaviour. Safer Streets funding has also improved safety, particularly around the Forest Rec area where we are putting in new cameras.
“We have also worked extremely hard around Asda in Hyson Green to improve the problems identified by residents, staff and shoppers and are working with partners to make changes to the area and Peppers Park to further reduce the incidents of ASB and make it more family friendly. Working with Asda, the council and the community, we are coming up with long-lasting solutions that will make a real positive impact on the community. We already have a community hub at the supermarket where residents can engage with our officers and partners and this visible presence is just one of many steps we are taking.
“We also have more officers than we have had in a long time who carry out regular patrols in these areas. It seems unfair to label Hyson Green as a dangerous area as it has a thriving community spirit and many successful businesses. However, we are listening to communities and the concerns they have and will act.
“My officers will always investigate every crime reported to us, and will always aim to get justice for the victim. Not only that, we will identify issues in these areas before they escalate and ensure our teams are deployed.”
READ NEXT:
Nottinghamshire arsonist set ex-girlfriend's family home on fire 'to be the hero'
Families wait for answers on M1 deaths go on after inquest report 'goes into ether'
Thief 'steals Christmas' as Nottingham mum left without money for daughter's presents
East Midlands Railway to ban e-scooters from trains and stations due to 'safety threats'
