The stunning UK metropolis the place children with machetes run riot – ‘it is a sh**gap’ | UK | News | EUROtoday

On Northam Estate, in Southampton, the night doesn’t arrive quietly. Sirens wail within the distance, punctuated by shouting, the clatter of overturned bins, and the low hum of visitors that winds by means of the labyrinth of streets. Children’s laughter is uncommon, and as a substitute the air carries the acrid scent of smoke and medicines. Cars are scarred by scratches and dents, discarded mattresses and litter pile up alongside pavements, and strangers wander the roads late into the night time.

For many residents, this isn’t a short lived nuisance, it’s every day life. From mid-afternoon onwards, small teams collect in corners, their presence a reminder that the property has develop into a hub for drug use, street-level dealing, and anti-social behaviour. Those who reside right here describe a way of fixed vigilance, an effort to maintain household and residential protected as they navigate the unpredictable rhythms of the neighbourhood.

Charlotte Glazebrook, 41, a mom of six, speaks of every day threats and neglect. “It is a sh*thole. People carrying machetes, taking drugs, the smell of drugs everywhere. People know everyone, and you get into trouble if you mess with the wrong people,” she said.

“I live in a three-bedroom flat with six children, and the council doesn’t help. Last year we had a bedbug issue, they sent someone, but they took almost all my furniture and gave me a £1,000 bill.”

Residents describe the property as a spot the place worry and frustration coexist. Those who’ve lived right here for many years admit that the issues have grown, from the unfold of drug abuse and gangs to housing points, infestations, and poor council assist.

“It’s not a good area,” says Bashir Karimi, 46, who lives along with his four-year-old son. “There are always a lot of druggies around shouting at night. One of them even scratched my car. I don’t feel safe.

“From three o’clock, you can start to see them all come in. I took pictures to report to the police, but they told me I wasn’t allowed to take photos. And there is always rubbish in the streets. People pull out the bins, I don’t know what they’re searching for, but it’s left everywhere.”

Rory Kane, 36, recalls a terrifying incident during a recent cold snap. “Some people on drugs broke into the building to get warm,” he says.

“Then they tried to break into my house. My wife was alone and had to shout my name to make them think someone was home. It was so scary. The estate has many exit points, so by the time you call the police, they’ve gone.”

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Katherine Karowea, 48, steadily walks her canine by means of the world. “It’s very dirty, and in the last few weeks, there have been young people wielding knives.

“It’s terrifying. There’s a police centre here, but I’ve never seen it open. The police don’t do anything. I would never live here,” she says, declining a photograph as she stated: “I’ll get in trouble if they saw my face. They’ll find me.”

For James Hyland, 53, who moved in six months in the past, the noise and dysfunction are fixed. “It is horrible. Very noisy at night, trash everywhere,” he says, gesturing towards a mattress deserted on the pavement.

“There are so many people on drugs and alcohol. You can hear sirens all night, but I don’t see the police presence making much of a difference.”

Wayne Hobbit, 69, has watched the property decline over many years. “Years ago, this was a good estate,” he says. “Now, people gather on the grass drinking and taking drugs.

“The council is changing windows, but they won’t deal with mould, rats, or broken facilities. None of that has been addressed.”

But not every resident sees the estate as unsafe. Nineteen-year-old Zamira Kay, who has lived here her whole life, says: “I think it’s great. I don’t have any issues here, and it’s very friendly.”

The council says it is taking action. Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Growth and Skills, explains that while Northam Estate sits outside her ward, colleagues are focusing on housing, anti-social behaviour, and crime.

“Drug-related crime is significant, and there are joint efforts with the police and voluntary organisations to tackle it,” she says. She adds that services include drug treatment programs, homelessness support, youth activities, and increased police visibility.

“Residents reporting problems is crucial,” Ms Bogle says. “The more information the police have, the better they can target resources. It’s about partnership – council, police, voluntary sector – all working together.”

But for many living on the estate, the interventions feel slow, and daily life remains tense. Northam Estate is a place where fear and frustration are part of the routine, and where safety can feel uncertain at every turn.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “It is of utmost significance to us that residents of the Northam property believe that their native policing workforce are working to sort out the problems which matter most to them.

“We have seen a continual decrease in the overall number of crimes reported in the area, particularly over the last year, but we also acknowledge that it is key people feel safe in their community.

“Tackling drug-supply, and the related violence and actions that accompany this, and addressing anti-social behaviour are priorities for us.

“Our local policing team carry out regular patrols on the estate, which includes stopping at stores, the café and the community centre to speak with local people about any issues. We also work hard to develop and act on information provided to us to disrupt criminal behaviour, as well as targeting individuals or addresses involved in such activity.

“We work carefully with the council, the native housing officer and property wardens to verify data is being shared and points are handled. As effectively as their patrols, our neighbourhood policing officers additionally maintain common neighborhood conferences, the place residents can come to see us and immediately talk about points impacting them.

“We will continue to work to tackle the issues raised by the community, and would urge them to keep reporting these to us so we can develop intel and for it to inform our patrol plans.”

Daily Express has additionally approached Southampton City Council for remark.