Families living on a residential street in Oldbury say they feel like prisoners in their own homes due to a relentless wave of anti-social behaviour that has plagued their neighbourhood for years.
Those on Imran Way report a catalogue of disturbing incidents, from finding used nitrous oxide canisters littering their car park to having fireworks deliberately launched at their houses.
A Catalogue of Nuisance and Fear
Residents describe a deeply unsettling environment where public drug dealing and use are brazenly conducted. The local car park has become a hotspot for illicit activity, with used drug wrappers and the small metal canisters associated with nitrous oxide inhalation regularly discarded there.
The problems extend beyond substance abuse. People living nearby say they have witnessed individuals engaging in sexual activity in cars and have been disturbed by off-road bikers using the area for racing. The anti-social behaviour often escalates in the evenings, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.
Three Years of Frustration and Failed Pleas
Affected homeowners and tenants state they have repeatedly reported these incidents to both Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police over the last three years. Despite their efforts, they feel the situation has seen no meaningful improvement.
One frustrated resident told local media: "The council’s security team attend during the day only but the antisocial behaviour happens in the evenings. We have had two meetings with the council this year, multiple home visits, multiple email exchanges, WhatsApp messages but no meaningful action or changes being made."
The community's plea is clear and urgent. The resident added, "We feel unsafe in our own homes and believe multi-agency action is required immediately."
Authorities Promise Urgent Review and Action
In response to the growing concerns, Sandwell Council has announced it will be urgently reviewing its response to the flood of anti-social behaviour reports from Imran Way.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, the authority's deputy leader, said: “Public safety and tackling anti-social behaviour are top priorities for the council, working closely with the police and other partner organisations. No one should have to put up with persistent nuisance like this and we are sorry to hear of residents’ frustrations.”
She confirmed that council teams and police visited the street at the end of September to plan measures, which include the imminent installation of better CCTV to help identify perpetrators and gather evidence. The council is also investigating longer-term solutions, such as restricting access to the problematic car park.
West Midlands Police has echoed this commitment, stating that neighbourhood officers will continue to monitor the area as part of their patrol strategy. A force spokesperson emphasised their dedication to tackling anti-social behaviour and encouraged residents to continue reporting incidents to help establish trends and direct resources effectively.
