"You don't have people running about with guns anymore": Inside the transformed Greater Manchester estate once branded a no-go zone

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

It was one of Greater Manchester’s most notorious estates. Once described as an “island of deprivation in a sea of affluence”, The Racecourse estate in Sale was considered a no-go zone.

Built amid high optimism in the 1960s, it was supposed to be the finest among the council's estate programme. But the area soon became neglected, run-down and overtaken by crime. Life on the estate became so dire, even night buses were cancelled due to anti-social behaviour.

In March 1997, the estate's reputation hit an all-time low when shop owner Ian Marshall was murdered inside his own off-licence on West Parade. The 48-year-old was shot in the head while trying to protect his father-in-law from two robbers.

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Then, in the early 2000s, developers pumped millions into improving homes in the area. New kitchens, bathrooms and double-glazing were installed in a bid to upgrade 1,800 homes on the estate.

The attack sent shock waves through the community, prompting residents to tackle the area’s problems. Residents set up an action group – a youth entertainment support committee – aiming to arrange activities to get youngsters off the streets.

Where properties remained vacant, a waiting list started to grow. Extra security was also provided, youth workers and rangers were recruited and, with the help of the police, crime was slashed. In the years that followed, burglary rates reduced by 70 per cent.

The transformation was so successful, the Irwell Valley Housing Association won awards for its work, along with a number of individuals who lived there.

Fast forward to 2022 and residents say the estate has completely changed.