Freehold woman evicted after home became hub for drug dealing and assaults

Thursday, 7 August 2025 10:04

By David Murphy

Rochdale Borough Housing has evicted a tenant from a Freehold flat after it became a centre for anti-social behaviour, assaults and drug activity

Rochdale Borough Housing (RBH) has removed a tenant from her home in Freehold following repeated complaints of drug dealing, property damage, and violence affecting nearby residents.

Sarah Martingale, 56, was evicted this week from 44 Conisborough after RBH secured a full possession order with the support of Greater Manchester Police. The eviction follows months of escalating criminal and anti-social behaviour connected to the property, which had become a hotspot for drug-related activity under Operation Affect.

Reports to GMP and RBH last year detailed multiple visitors entering the flat, some of whom were accused of attacking neighbours and vandalising surrounding property. The situation created an atmosphere of fear across the estate, with many residents unwilling to speak out publicly due to concerns for their safety.

RBH and GMP teams worked extensively to gather evidence without relying on witness testimony, which led to temporary closure of the flat in 2024 to stop access by known criminals. Despite numerous engagement efforts and referrals to support services, Martingale failed to change her behaviour, and disturbances continued.

Hayley Stockham, RBH’s Director of Neighbourhood Services, thanked staff and police for their persistence: “I hope the affected residents can now live without fear. We are committed to making Freehold a safe and welcoming place and will take firm action against any customer who believes this kind of behaviour is acceptable.”

This is the second RBH eviction in recent weeks involving drug-related activity. Another tenant was removed from a property in Angel Meadow, Heywood, following incidents of substance misuse and homophobic abuse.

Inspector Meena Yasin of GMP reaffirmed police commitment to tackling crime on the estate: “We are actively using all available powers to make Freehold safer. Our officers are working closely with community groups to strengthen local trust and deliver long-term solutions that reflect residents’ needs.”

Residents are encouraged to report anti-social behaviour in confidence to either GMP or RBH.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.