Residents in one of Leeds' new council estates have said they are divided between a quiet happy place to live and a crime riddled frenzy.
A total of 69 new council houses have been built in two Leeds City Council developments. In Holbeck a total of 28 homes – 14 houses and 14 flats – stand on the former tower block site at Meynell Approach. In Seacroft, the council’s Tarnside & Mardale scheme, which sits between York Road and Foundry Mill Street, now comprises of 41 houses.
However, some residents have revealed that life on these new council estates is still 'dangerous' and a haven for crime. Meanwhile, others have argued the area makes for a happy home.
Read more: 14 criminals locked up in Leeds in May - including sick murderer and 'The Beast'
Meynell Approach council estate in Holbeck is separated between a new and old divide. The old council estate stands on one side of the street and the new side the other. However, residents living on the new side have recalled thefts, drugs misuse and youths joyriding motorbikes and quads through the newly built streets and into the park - causing danger to families.
One resident, Justina, who has lived in the new area of Meynell Approach since it was recently built with her two young children, claims she feels unsafe leaving her kids to play outside because the street is 'dangerous'.
Justina said: "Three times we've had things stolen from our garden, they climb over the fences in the night. Our neighbour also had something stolen, I don't feel as safe as I used to in my old place - which was a flat - when I lived in the flat we had no stuff stolen.
"Having small kids it is worrying, we have to have lights on downstairs so they aren't scared. I know a neighbour had something stolen from their garden too so have to keep everything in the house, I daren't leave my kids in the garden either in case they get pinched.
"DPD had left a parcel on the front and within 15 minutes people had stolen it. It’s not how I thought it would be in terms of safe.
"The house itself is new and it's a warm house but it’s not safe. And, in the night time there are young kids riding and driving quad bikes past the house, you hear them all night. I work late and when I come back from work on my bicycle they nearly knocked me off it once because they went through the red light - it’s not safe - there are drug users too."
However, despite the crime and dangers, Justina says her kids are much happier living here than they did in their previous council home. She added: "My kids are happier and I’m happier, especially with having a garden, and we're making it a nice family home. But there are just rough people living round here, I have to watch my children, I don’t trust people walking by.
"I thought my neighbours would be more friendly too, I feel quite isolated. Its very hard to build a relationship with kids - however it maybe a culture thing.
"There isn't enough green around either, although there is the park but its sh** and it’s really dangerous there are holes everywhere and the swings are old."
Another resident of the new estate, Sophie, 31, also claims the crime rate is worrying. She says she wouldn't risk walking alone in the old council estate because it is notorious for crime - she recalls it being 'scary.'
Sophie said: "It’s okay, we have had a few issues since we moved in but they've been fixed pretty quickly. The light fell out the ceiling and the coat rack fell off the wall, but it’s nice and quiet there has just been some hiccups.
"It’s really quiet on this street, but there was a neighbour who had a massive party for two days straight, they are the only problem neighbour we have. My old neighbours were horrible so here is my escape for my anxiety and things, but except that one neighbour everyone seems really nice and friendly. I love next door neighbour, she is my best friend.
"There is some crime, we've had some stuff that was in the garden taken out of the shed - we hear about stuff all the time. And, we hear of stuff that happens from the other side of shops [the shops separate the old and new areas of the estate] it’s like a different world from the other side of the shops, it’s scary but we don’t go over there. I won’t ever go over there on my own, we've heard of stuff happening in the park, drug raids and stuff, but that’s over the other side.
"Apart from that I'm settled and happy here. Except the time I had to tell the people in the flats off because people kept parking in our parking places, but apart from that we're happy."
Another resident, Lorraine, who lives on the new estate, has also commented on the drug use and crime in the area but claims it doesn't cause he a problem. Lorraine said: "It's not bad, there is just a lot of drugs and prostitution - it doesn’t cause us any problems but we don’t exactly get near it [Lorraine lives further away from the old estate] either, I keep myself to myself.
"The house is typical council, we have things breaking and falling off. I have had neighbours who have had things stolen from their garden, but not me personally because I don’t leave anything in the garden - its a worry not to keep things in the garden however."
Donna and Dominic have also lived on the estate since it was built and live directly across from Holbeck park. They recalled how dangerous it can be in the area.
Dominic said: "Its fine apart from motorbikes that speed up and down and on the park, the ones I have seen have no licence plates on but we know they come from the estate and go onto the park, they speed about - its very dangerous.
"There was also a stabbing by the tunnel last Sunday and the late night walkers are there all day asking for money, we haven’t experienced anyone pinching anything like others have but most of our stuff is left in the house. There has been no problems with the house itself and we're happy living here."
However, other residents have said there is no crime on the estate and life remains pleasant. One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm very happy here but nothing has really changed to be fair from living on the old council estate, if I need anything the council come and sort it so its fine."
Mohammed added: "The neighbourhood is OK, except the main road with the woman that are known for selling their bodies, but that is the only problem. There is no crime and the house itself is OK."
A Leeds City Council spokesperson, said: “No one living in Leeds should have to put up with anti-social behaviour. We work very closely through the Safer Leeds partnership to address all concerns around anti-social behaviour, criminal activity and drug misuse in Leeds, concerns raised by residents cannot be dealt with by just one organisation.
"We continually look at putting longer-term solutions in place to target issues that arise around crime and anti-social behaviour and are committed to doing everything we can to take robust action to bring those responsible for it to justice, reassure the community and deter those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.
"We would ask anyone who is experiencing anti-social behaviour in Meynell Approach to please contact the police or the council’s dedicated anti-social behaviour team as soon as possible.
"Residents can be assured that all cases will be investigated in a thorough and confidential manner.
"People with concerns about anti-social behaviour can call West Yorkshire Police on 101, use the Live Chat function on the force’s website or contact Leeds City Council’s anti-social behaviour team on 0113 2224402 (council number available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or report on line Report antisocial behaviour (leeds.gov.uk).”
Yorkshire Live has launched Explore Yorkshire, which will look at Yorkshire's unique identity and destinations and celebrate God's Own County for what it is - the best place in the world. Whether you are looking for a day out, a weekend away or to try somewhere new, Explore Yorkshire is here to help. Our brilliant new newsletter will bring all of this content together for you in one place - sign up here to get it direct to your inbox.
Read next:
Sadistic 'Honey Monster' killer jailed for life - 30 years after boasting he'd got away with murder
Outraged Leeds locals defend their area branded 'scary and crime-ridden'
Armed police race to Leeds street as man, 22, stabbed in head, arms and hands
'I saw someone get stabbed': What it's really like in 'Leeds' most dangerous street'
Leeds Rhinos issue statement as sick viral Facebook post wrongly says Rob Burrow has died
