INMATES at troubled Forest Bank jail in Salford are able to celebrate birthdays thanks to huge industrial fireworks being set off by loved ones just over the prison walls.
The pyrotechnics are now happening at all times of the day and night, according to residents who have lived at the site since before the jail was opened in 2000.
Managers at the privately-operated category B prison said they were open to discussing concerns with neighbours and that 'we seek to minimize impact on those who live nearby.
Angela Dunbar, 66, lives in a semi on Billington Road - one of six homes on the cul-de-sac which is separated from the prison by a small parcel of woodland - and spoke to the M.E.N about what it's like to neighbour a jail.
She told the Manchester Evening News: "To be honest we all thought it was going to be a nightmare [before it was built]. We were frightened of having a prison built near us.
We were expecting escaped convicts coming through the house! She and her husband Chic, 60, who are both foster carers, have become used to the noise of drones flying overhead - they have been used to drop drugs into the prison and the sight of prison visitors driving up their road, having taken a wrong turn.
The couple recall the 'spiel' they were given before the prison was built on the site of the former Agecroft power station from 1998.
They promised they would landscape the bottom of the road and keep the area tidy and that there would be public footpaths. None of that has happened," said Chic, who used to own his own company.
This story is from the February 04, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 04, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rodri's importance to Blues is laid bare
IF there is an argument for how good a player Rodri is then you need look no further than City right now.
City players walking a fine line over yellow cards
CITY are potentially just two matches away from losing a quartet of players during the hectic festive season.
Home comforts offer long-term hope to Super League Salford
SALFORD Red Devils have finally received the news they were waiting for, with Salford council confirming the acquisition of the club's stadium.
Just the ticket for a festive treat, despite nearly choking on a dry stuffing ball
THEY say the best things in life are worth waiting for.
A cut above the rest
A mobile barber from Bolton has been shortlisted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the country. Jignesh Madhavji, owner of Jiggi mobile barbershop, was shortlisted among 99 other businesses and was celebrated during an event at the House of Lords.
Man sheds NINE STONE after theme park shame
Machine operator has made a big transformation after he used to consume 4,000 calories a day
Last days of Owens Park
FOR many, the tower referred to as Owens Park will have been their first home in Manchester.
Insurance worker in data breach
A CAR insurance worker abused his position to divulge hundreds of customer private details to 'claims farmers! Rizwan Manjra, 44, was employed by Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited (MISL), based in the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre, leading a team that processed accident claims.
Has the crackdown on crime gone too far?
Crime reporter John Scheerhout looks at GMP's recent use of dispersal orders in the region
The fight to bring hero soldier Dan's case before courts
Efforts continue to locate man named as a suspect in the investigation into unlawful killing of paratrooper.
