Moped riding in shop is not a surprise on 'forgotten estate'

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Moped riding in shop is not a surprise on 'forgotten estate'3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleCaroline BiltonandVicky Johnson , Yorkshire & Lincolnshire investigations A moped is ridden through a shop on a Grimsby estate as residents call for end to anti-social behaviourIt is the middle of the day and as shoppers buy their groceries a man rides a moped inside a Co-op store. As he emerges through the doorway into the precinct outside, his friends laugh. One resident says they are not surprised.

On the Willows estate, in Grimsby, it is the sort of behaviour they have come to expect. It comes after residents told a investigation about youths stealing motorbikes and boasting about it online. Some have had enough.

The Details

Lynn Brittain, who has lived here for 57 years, says the estate is "deteriorating" and it breaks her heart. She points towards a tired-looking children's play area. "You see that swing over there?

"The community paid to have that replaced. All the money that's coming into our town for youth services, yet the community had to fund a swing. "Lynn Brittain says a lack of youth facilities is leading to anti-social behaviourLynn believes the lack of facilities for young people on the estate is leading to anti-social behaviour (ASB) and it does not take long to see signs of it.

We spent several weeks on the Willows, speaking to people about their experiences. Some were too afraid to give their names. In the shopping precinct, the glass door of the convenience store is shattered.

What Experts Say

Inside, the manager declines to be interviewed, but a woman who asks to remain anonymous tells us the store is targeted by shoplifters regularly. A few streets away, the first-floor window of a flat has been smashed. Shards of glass cover the grass below.

We are told a brick was thrown at it. The burnt-out remains of a car found close to homesWe come across the burnt-out remains of a car. We are told it was ablaze at 07:30 on a Saturday morning, close to homes.

Nearby, another vehicle has had its windows smashed. A resident says youngsters have been vandalising the car over a number of evenings. Ryan has lived on the Willows estate for five years and says it does not "feel like it's safe any more".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.