RESIDENTS have told how their quiet street was left in ruin – with shotgun-wielding thugs, drugs and rats running rampant.
But now locals are taking their home back, vowing to transform the neighbourhood into the “haven” it once was for families.
Crime, vandalism, flying-tipping and vermin left residents saying their street was “ruled” by “untouchable” yobs.
Residents told how “ruffians” moved in and turned their once quiet neighbourhood into a crime-riddled ruin.
But now Prince’s Crescent in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is back on the up – with neighbours banding together now the “drug dealers have moved on”.
And this week, a boarded up house on the street went up for sale for £40,000.
But residents told The Sun not long ago house prices were dipping well below that – with estimates as low as £10,000.
They said this is a sign the once notorious area is on the up after once being branded one of the UK’s “worst streets”.
Residents claimed the demolition of a nearby estate led to an influx of “rough” characters moving into the area.
They told of wild scenes such as children leaping onto the top of police cars, and one shocking incident where a man was blasted with a shotgun.
The house on the market has grey steel shutters covering the downstairs window after they were repeatedly smashed.
And it is opposite a row of gutted properties.
But locals remain optimistic their fortunes are turning around now the yobs have moved on.
Joseph Smith, 58, said developers snapping up the once derelict properties and doing them up is transforming the street.
He told The Sun: “Money is being spent in the area and it is really making a difference.
“There was a lot of crime, with idiots ruling the street, but not now. The eyesores are disappearing quickly.
“It is a place to invest in and it is getting cleaned up.
“It used to be really bad, but the change is coming. If people get together they can improve things.
“There is a proper community spirit, and without the community we are nothing.”
Another resident, a 32-year-old mum, said: “I’ve been here four years now and the change from then to now is immense.
“Police pulled their finger out and cleaned up the street.
“When you see the house next to you being improved, that encourages you to do the same and the spirit spreads.
“The council are coming and doing things and I love it on her now. We are a community round here now.
“If you need something there is always somebody there to help you.
“I’d recommend this place to anyone. I love it here.”
Romanian pals Alex Manea , 33, and Mohammed Edrissi, 23, work at the Maya Food and Drink store at the end of Prince’s Crescent.
They said the area has been transformed since much of the crime wad taken off the streets.
Manea said: “Five years ago Prince’s Street was bad, really bad. But now all the drug dealers have been moved on.
“It is now chilled and a better area – way, way better.
“Three years ago a guy got shot on that street, so it is now way, way better.”
In December 2022, Kian Thrope, 22, was jailed for shooting a 27-year-old man on Princes Street in broad daylight.
The court heard how Thorpe approached the victim and fire what was thought to be a shotgun before he ran off.
The victim was left with a gunshot wound and heavily bleeding.
At the time, police detectives said Thorpe was a “prolific (OCG) organised crime group member who has terrorised the Edlington community for many years.”
Since the shooting, locals said they have seen the area transformed.
Sharon Lee, 71, who was born and bred in Edlington, said: “It used to be a lovely place to live, and it still is. There are worse places
“I live local and have worked in this shop for about four years.
“What is happening in Prince’s Crescent is lovely to see.”
The three-bedroom property has similarly been “recently refreshed internally” said the advert.
Kevin Cauvin, who is in his 60s, has lived on Prince‘s St for three decades and said it used to be a “haven”.
He said: “The street used to be full, every house was liveable, and all would be occupied with nice families.”
Recalling the shooting, Kevin added: “I remember one time a couple of years ago a man shooting another man with a shotgun whilst he was chasing him down the street, how’s that.”
The neighbour said the downturn came in 2010 when a nearby estate was knocked down and his street had an influx of “ruffians”.
Tony, 53, and his partner Mary, 54, said they have seen kids on the roofs of police cars as they drive around.
“I just wish we got more help from the government to help us turn it around,” they added.
Alongside crime and fly-tipping, vermin is a huge problem and one elderly resident said her neighbours had rats in their attic.
Despite the road’s reputation, the listing said the house: “enjoys good access to local amenities, schools, and transport links, with Doncaster town centre within easy reach.”
The Sun has gone to South Yorkshire Police and Doncaster Council for comment.
