'Doncaster's filthiest street' now facing threat from anti-social behaviour

Problems grow for an angry Doncaster resident amidst a growing drink and drug problem on his street.
Montague Street resident Ray Fowell believes the council should be looking at the growing anti-social behaviour problem after finding numerous people lying on the streetsMontague Street resident Ray Fowell believes the council should be looking at the growing anti-social behaviour problem after finding numerous people lying on the streets
Montague Street resident Ray Fowell believes the council should be looking at the growing anti-social behaviour problem after finding numerous people lying on the streets

Last week we reported that Doncaster resident Ray Fowell was furious about fly tipping on his street near the town centre.

However, the problem has now escalated with the threat of anti-social behaviour on Montague street.

The rubbish is still an issue Montague Street, DoncasterThe rubbish is still an issue Montague Street, Doncaster
The rubbish is still an issue Montague Street, Doncaster
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Ray says this problem is down to 'drunks, drug users, homeless and less fortunate people'.

He says: "Now I guess this goes on all over Doncaster but it is not that prevalent here in Montague street. that is until the property at 64 Copley Road started encouraging them to the area. I have been told that it is a place for them to get help and a shower etc. Not sure if that’s correct but they do appear to congregate around there."

However, this is now shut and as a consequence he says they are now spilling out onto the streets.

In an email to Doncaster Council Ray tells of two separate incidents where he's witnessed someone lying on the floor, seemingly drunk.

Rubbish is left on the street in the Copley Road shop areaRubbish is left on the street in the Copley Road shop area
Rubbish is left on the street in the Copley Road shop area
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During one of the incidents, he had to call an ambulance for a man that was 'drunk and out of his mind.'

"Montague Street and its inhabitants are certainly not getting a good "Customer Experience" I feel like I am back in Nicaragua in the slums. It's only the lack of barbed wire and steel bars over the doors that sets it and Doncaster apart."

"I am not sure what the answer is but I believe the council should be looking at the drunk, drug and homeless problem."

Doncaster Council have said there are plans in place to help the homeless, whilst reducing the cases of anti-social behaviour.

The rubbish is still an issue Montague Street, DoncasterThe rubbish is still an issue Montague Street, Doncaster
The rubbish is still an issue Montague Street, Doncaster
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Speaking on the issue Pat Hagan, Head of Localities and Town Centre for Doncaster council said: “As a council, we are committed to helping the most vulnerable members of our society.

"We work tirelessly with our partners to provide help and support for those who find themselves homeless, rough sleeping or with addiction issues.

"We have been engaging with people in and around the town centre, raising awareness of and giving advice about the Public Spaces Protection Order and this has involved referring a number of people to support services to help them improve their circumstances for the better. This has had a positive impact on the town centre.

"We have also taken action against the small minority who continue to behave in an anti-social manner and will continue to do so, whether this is on Montague Street, Copley Road, or elsewhere.”

Rubbish is left on the street in the Copley Road shop areaRubbish is left on the street in the Copley Road shop area
Rubbish is left on the street in the Copley Road shop area
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South Yorkshire Police are aware of concerns by residents, and also have plans in place to tackle the issue.

Inspector Lynne Lancaster said: “Our priority is the safety of everyone in Doncaster and we are committed to addressing issues and concerns within our local communities.

“We are aware there have been a number of concerns raised in relation to drugs and anti-social behaviour in and around Montague Street. I’d like to offer my reassurance that this is not tolerated and we have been working with our partners to implement plans and actions to tackle this.

“These plans have included the introduction of the town centre Public Space Protection Order and dedicated operations. During the most recent operation carried out on Thursday 12 April, officers worked to specifically address issues relating to the use of psychoactive substances.

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“Throughout the day officers worked to execute warrants, issue dispersal orders, conduct high-visibility patrols and raise awareness of the dangers associated with the use of psychoactive substances.

“This resulted in two warrants being executed, four reports for breaching the conditions of the PSPO (Public space protection order), four referrals to support services and one arrest for possession of a quantity of drugs."

“We will now continue to implement further plans to improve safety and prevent criminality and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to report it via 101, or 999 in an emergency.”