Feral Teen Gang Terrorises Ashton-in-Makerfield High Street, Creating 'No-Go Zone'
A once-thriving high street in Ashton-in-Makerfield has been transformed into a 'no-go zone' by a pack of feral teenagers, leaving residents too terrified to leave their homes after dark. For months, shopkeepers in this Greater Manchester town have endured relentless harassment from the group, who cruise through the town centre on mountain bikes every evening, throwing rocks at passers-by, smashing bus stops, and stealing goods.
Night of Pandemonium Captured on Camera
On February 8, the chaos escalated into a night of pandemonium, forcing shops to close early. Café owner Helen Lawson recorded thirteen minutes of footage, capturing her pleading with the gang: 'Will you leave me alone? Get out of my face!' as the hoodlums followed and mocked her. The video shows her phone being snatched and thrown to the floor, followed by ice and a drink being chucked at her, with one young boy even barking at her like a dog.
A terrified shopkeeper told the Daily Mail: 'Sometimes they are out in packs 20 or 30 strong, the kids run this town. The kids have turned Gerard Street into a no-go zone at night.'
Shopkeepers Describe Routine Violence and Theft
The Daily Mail visited the former mining town on Saturday evening, following one pack of teens around the town centre. The group began their night congregated in the entrance to a Lidl supermarket, with one boy appearing to ride his mountain bike into the doorway. A shopkeeper tried to warn them that a criminal record as teenagers would stay with them 'for the rest of their lives,' but such advice fell on deaf ears.
Shopkeepers explained that violent behaviour has become standard practice. Sweet shop owner Akash Kumar said boys often burst into his shop to steal, including a bottle of whisky on one occasion. He recounted: 'One of the boys left his bank card behind by accident and then they came back and forced my worker to hand it over. They threatened to "bang him" and I don't want my staff hurt. You call the police but what can they do.' He also reported an attempted break-in after hours.
Rava Salah, who runs a vape shop on Gerard Street, feels he is fighting a losing battle. He said: 'They want vapes but I tell them they have to be 18. That leads to an issue and they start kicking off. They steal things and let stink bombs off in the shop. The stink is terrible. I am fighting a losing battle and need more help.'
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
The town has been rocked by a spate of ugly incidents over the last month, including footage posted online showing a group of youths attacking a girl in a car park. A glass bus stop was vandalised, and in a separate incident, three boys fell from the window of a double-decker bus after a fight.
Since the video emerged, the community has expressed disgust on social media. Karena K Ashton wrote on Facebook: 'The behaviour is inexcusable and needs addressing, but the solution is harder. We had under-18s nights, youth clubs etc. What social activities are available for teenagers to do together that doesn't cost a packet? If the answer to that is nothing, then that needs addressing too.' Others took a harder line, labelling the teens a 'disgrace' to Wigan, with some suggesting national service or spray-painting them for identification.
Local Response and Police Involvement
Local councillor Danny Fletcher took action, contacting the heads of four local high schools. He wrote on Facebook: 'They’ve identified a number of the young people involved in the video and had them straight in the office this morning, and spoken to parents. They are also covering the wider issues around respect and behaviour in an assembly.'
He added that police have increased their visible presence in Ashton, with officers checking on Helen Lawson. Inspector Sam Davies from Greater Manchester Police said: 'Neighbourhood crime is a priority for all of our teams working across Wigan and Leigh. Our officers are undertaking positive work around key force priorities, which has helped to build trust and confidence within the local community. This is about engagement, prevention, and robust enforcement.'
Hope Amidst Chaos: Town Transformation Plans
Despite the pandemonium, the former mining town is undergoing a £6.6 million transformation, funded by a government grant to Wigan Council. The money will be used to restore the market, enhance shop fronts, and introduce greenery, aiming to attract new businesses while supporting existing ones. Wigan Council has been contacted for comment on the ongoing issues.
The groups appear to be organised by the yobs themselves, with many believed to be travelling from Haydock in Merseyside and Golborne near Warrington, exacerbating the challenges faced by local authorities and residents.
