Discarded needles where children play - Residents in Prestwich say their streets have turned into a hotspot of anti-social behaviour and drug taking.
Those with drug addictions missing out on help during lockdown.
Families living in a part of Prestwich say they're having to deal with drug taking on their own doorsteps because homeless people with addictions aren't getting the support they need during lockdown.
It comes as hotels across Greater Manchester are used to house the homeless during the Covid 19 crisis.
We've been sent photos of discarded needles found on driveways and in the back gardens of family homes where children play.
One father-of-five, who didn't want to be named told us, "I was coming down my driveway one morning and I found a green needle just lying there. What if one of my children had picked it up? We don't feel safe. I shouldn't have to check my back garden every morning before I let my children go out and play."
Another lady, who has a two-year-old, contacted us to say she's scared to leave the house. "This is normally a quiet residential area, but since lockdown measures were put in place there's drug-taking and fighting in the street. There are discarded needles everywhere. It's not safe".
In response to the Covid 19 outbreak the Government launched the 'Everyone In' scheme, whereby local authorities were required to house rough sleepers in hotels or emergency accomodation. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says so far 1140 people have been helped. When asked about incidents of drug taking in residential areas Mr Burnham told us,
"We are aware of those reports and both Bury and Manchester City Councils are addressing those issues. We recognise those concerns and we're working to address them. We also recognise there is more that needs to be done to support people in hotel or single room accomodation with mental health or addiction issues."
Speaking alongside the Mayor at the GMCA weekly press conference, leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese said,
"We are working together with Bury Council and GMP to resolve issues and we will ensure that people do behave in a way that's appropriate to a residential area if they want to continue to stay there." He went on to say, "We will also be working with our mental health trust and public health services to support people with drug and alcohol abuse problems".
A written statement from Manchester City Council reads:
“Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic Manchester City Council has worked around the clock to support some of the most vulnerable residents of Manchester. The homeless population was identified as one of the groups at most risk from the virus, and early steps were taken to get as many people as possible inside so that they could self isolate.
“We are supporting people with a range of complex needs, from addiction to mental health problems, and that in itself presents a series of challenges. We are aware of isolated incidents where drugs have been taken, with steps taken to prevent this occurring again.
“The Council is working with our partners in Bury, as well as Greater Manchester Police and Change Grow Live to support people living with addiction problems, but also with the local community to reassure them that any concerns they have will be addressed quickly.”
We've contacted Bury Council for a comment.