Residents of a new housing estate in Hale, Cheshire, have expressed fury after a YouTuber claimed the development was 'deserted' and 'post-apocalyptic'. The video, posted by G2E Media on June 12, 2026, focused on Halis Court off Town Lane, where around a dozen homes were built. Some houses sold for over £500,000, yet the video alleged most were empty, sparking wild speculation online about migrants, land disputes, or structural issues.
Residents Speak Out
One resident, who asked not to be named, told the Liverpool ECHO: “It’s bull****. There’s nothing wrong with the house. I’ve moved in and others are doing it too.” Another new homeowner from Garston said she was “fuming” after seeing the video. “We’ve been through all the checks and everything is fine. If there's something wrong with the foundations, that would have been flagged,” she added.
The video showed the YouTuber approaching windows and entering an unlocked back gate. He acknowledged one person lived there but did not knock, saying: “No chance, why would (I) do that standing there with a camera in their face when they had kids inside as well?”
Developer Responds
Knight Hill Homes, the developer behind The Orchards (the official name for the estate), stated: “The homes are not abandoned, and we are disappointed to see unverified comments causing unnecessary concern for residents and purchasers.” They confirmed around half the homes have been sold, with residents already living there and more moving in soon. The company added that normal completion processes are underway, and the delay should not be misinterpreted as a problem.
Pine Court Housing Association, which purchased four properties for shared ownership, said all have been reserved. A spokesperson said: “By introducing Shared Ownership to this area, we are providing an affordable route to homeownership.”
Local Rumours Dismissed
Local gossip had fuelled theories, with one elderly couple calling the estate “cursed” and another woman claiming it was built over a pond with foundation issues. However, residents and the developer have firmly denied these claims. Knight Hill Homes emphasised that the homes are privately purchased and there is “nothing to support” the video’s allegations.
The ECHO approached G2E Media for comment but received no response.
