Patrols are being stepped up on a notorious Tameside hotspot for anti-social behaviour after a rise in reported incidents.
Regular knife sweeps are being carried out around Burlington Street, Ashton, where police are being informed of drug taking and loitering.
In one sweep, officers recovered a haul of weapons from Millennium Green, the football pitch where locals say youths congregate and leave residents feeling trapped in their own homes.
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When neighbours told the Manchester Evening News in May about yobs running riot in their community, police said incidents of anti-social behaviour there had been declining.
But police say the problem is back on the rise - and they are having to work with Jigsaw Homes and Tameside Council to tackle it once again.
Chief Inspector Lee Broadstock, responsible for neighbourhood policing in Tameside, said: "Once lockdown was lifted and we went through the roadmap, people started meeting up again and that's when we started getting reports of anti-social behaviour.
"Now we are receiving reports of youths gathering, drug taking and some criminal damage."
Some of the most shocking incidents Burlington Street has seen in recent years include a gang of 60 youths hurling fireworks at a police van, while a resident who filmed youths messing about with fireworks outside her home ended up being attacked.
Residents at Burlington House, a block of flats run by Jigsaw Homes on the estate, previously told the M.E.N. that anti-social behaviour is a constant strain that leaves them in fear.
During last month's heatwave, a video was shared on social media with noise from youths congregating on Millennium Green at 2am, and Chf Insp Broadstock says people are more inclined to stay out in warmer weather.
Along with increased patrols, police have been speaking with community leaders to help encourage younger members of the community to turn away from anti-social behaviour.
Community protection notices can also be issued to Jigsaw Homes tenants who are causing nuisance in the neighbourhood - and Chf Insp Broadstock says these can be used to 'make people understand there are always potential consequences for their actions'.
He added: "We're very mindful that it's not a long-term solution, because your resources can't be there 24-seven.
"We are working with Jigsaw and the anti-social behaviour officers at the council, looking at ways to improve CCTV or any environment changes we can make.
"We have met with community leaders to make sure they are on board with what we are doing, trying to get the message out, encouraging youths to be respectful of others."
Jigsaw Homes residents with concerns about anti-social behaviour can call 0300 011 1144 or email info@jigsawhomes.org.uk
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