'It’s not all kids, it’s just a handful of them' - Residents of Walsall street with highest anti-social behaviour reports speak out

Stephenson Square on the Beechdale had the highest number of reports for anti-social behaviour across the whole borough in 2025.

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While it was the highest, Walsall Council received just eight reports between January and December from the estate’s main precinct.

Councillor Tina Jukes, ward member for Birchills Leamore which includes Beechdale, said the true figure will be much higher due to unreporting.

The second highest streets for ASB reports in the borough come from nearby Priestley Road, Chester Road in Streetly and Coronation Avenue in Willenhall, each with four reports for the year.

Councillor Tina Jukes said the issue has improved somewhat over the last six months.

The Labour councillor, who is shadow portfolio holder for children’s services, has called for better youth provision in the area.

She said: “People say the kids are feral but it’s not every child. It’s just a handful.

“It has quietened down a bit, so fingers crossed. I know we have the Easter holidays coming up.

“This time last year it was terrible. The kids on bikes race around with no helmet on, one of these days they’re going to kill somebody.

“I’ve witnessed a few things. The doors at the centre were smashed into not so long ago.

“The over 60s don’t feel like coming out at night because they don’t feel safe. Some of the shops shut earlier because people don’t come out at night.

“It seems to have improved. We had a police meeting once. They asked what I wanted, I told them their presence will do. They are a small team but they’re doing their best.”

Councillor Jukes said reports of anti-social behaviour makes up most of her casework as a councillor, second only to fly-tipping.

She said: “People on the Beechdale like to look after their own, and they do take pride. I’ve lived on this estate all my life and it’s changed over the years. But people just want to live in a happy environment.

“It’s not all kids, it’s just a handful of them. And half of them don’t live on the estate.

“We’ve got no youth services, only what the voluntary sector does. The youth club does a fantastic job but it’s just down to money.

“I would love, and it’s been a dream of mine, to put a lot of outreach workers in this area. And the youth club in Blakenall, it’s one of the best youth clubs I’ve ever seen, I would love to bring that here.”

Bill Dhillon, one of the shop owners on the avenue, said: “We’ve been OK and not had any problems. We close at 4pm, maybe that makes a difference. Sometimes kids mess about but we’ve never had any big problems.

“They could do with more activities for the kids to do around here, they’ve got nothing to do. If there’s nothing for them to do they’ll mess around.”

Theresa Walker, a staff member at a community shop on the precinct, said: “I’m not surprised we’ve got the highest number but it has gone quiet now.

“The kids, they don’t bother us. At Morrisons they’ve had a terrible time. The kids run in, help themselves and go out. I don’t know what the shop owners can do.

“But it has gone quiet at the minute. More youth provision is a good idea.”

Manjit Kaur, owner of the pharmacy on Stephenson Avenue, added: “In terms of the pharmacy we don’t have many problems. We provide a really good service, and an essential service so people are quite respectful in that sense.”

A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: “Over the last six months in Stephenson Square, community safety, community protection, police and housing associations have worked in partnership to identify and talk to those involved with antisocial behaviour.

“This has resulted in a noticeable improvement. The area will continue to be included in police patrols with partner organisations in constant contact to monitor issues and report concerns.”

Sergeant Mo Khalid, Walsall’s neighbourhood policing supervisor, said: “Our neighbourhood officers have been working with partners, including Walsall Council and housing associations to reduce antisocial behaviour.

“We identify, analyse and address the root causes of problems in our communities by creating bespoke responses to issues raised by residents and businesses.

“Our neighbourhood officers have been speaking with young people in the area and advising them of their behaviour and the impact this is having on people living in their community and we have sent warning letters to addresses informing parents and guardians.

“Although we have seen a decline in incidents of anti-social behaviour we continue to work with the local community and partners as part of an ongoing effort to reduce anti-social behaviour and the negative impact it has on our communities.”