Amanda Ahmad

Amanda Ahmad and her neighbours have reclaimed their street from the hands of drug dealers and gangs – and turned it into a place where people from different races can live peacefully side by side.

Racist attacks, burning cars, prostitution, burglary and even murder bred fear into Granville Road, where some residents became virtual prisoners in their own homes.

“People were scared to come out and no-one talked to anybody,” says Amanda. “With the help of Endeavour Housing Association, which owns most of the 112 properties, we started to change things. I helped to set up the Middle Eastern Ladies Group to get women out into the community where they could support each other.”

It was hard at first, Amanda says. “But eventually we got the women involved in activities such as language and computer classes and outings.”

It’s been a long haul but projects like this have transformed Granville Road. Eight years ago, 40% of homes were empty but there’s now a waiting list for the area.

“This is a very different place today,” Amanda says. “The drug dealers have moved out, everyone knows each other and all the kids play together.”