'Tough mams' keeping kids safe from gangs

TWO years ago, a group of parents held homemade signs aloft outside a decaying community centre in Blackley. Enough was enough, they said.

- ETHAN DAVIES

Terrified, but defiant, they had reached the end of their tether following a wave of attacks committed against young people. It had threatened to tear their tight-knit community apart.

They weren't going to let that happen. Mums and dads said they were so fearful they wouldn't let their children leave home but were determined to do something about it.

A huge banner caught many an eye. Held by held by mums, dads and kids, it read: "Make our streets safe! Save our children. #Not another hashtag"

That sign remains there to this day an ever-present reminder of the fear and violence that gripped the streets.