TOWNSEND has witnessed many changes since the estate developed, from small beginnings, in the mid-1970s.

The first phase saw 233 houses and flats being built with 264 erected during the second phase. Today Townsend boasts 1,500 homes.

Even in its early days Townsend’s indefatigable community spirit was evident. By 1978 around 300 residents had got together to form a community association.

But by 1980 such large numbers of families were moving onto the estate there were warnings that the mass arrival could create “enormous social problems”. Tempers flared two years later when a local councillor branded the estate “a ghetto.”

In June 1985, Labour’s shadow housing minister Jeff Rooker said the living conditions he had witnessed in Townsend were among the worst he had seen on his travels across the country.

By 1986 some elderly residents told the Daily Echo they were “petrified” of leaving their homes amid growing complaints of vandalism and intimidation. A year later Townsend was dubbed “the estate of fear” with some families moving out, citing fears over hooliganism and crime. Undeterred by negative publicity, residents once more rallied in its defence.

In 1992 the estate hit the headlines for the wrong reasons again when arsonists set light to two historic cottages and in May 1994 fears over violence to staff forced the estate’s only shop to close early every night. Some residents claimed they were too terrified to walk the streets during darkness.

In October 2003 the estate was declared a no-go area following a spate of vandalism attacks. Bus services were withdrawn, the post box was sealed after postal workers were intimidated by youths and residents were asked to bring mail into the post office.

Thugs drove a van into a phone box before torching it and taxi drivers refused to go on to Townsend at night.

Thankfully, times have changed. The estate has been dramatically turned around by public-minded volunteers, council staff and police community support officers who are all determined to make a difference.

The closure of the estate’s primary school four years ago was a bitter blow. But there are now plans to open a new school on Townsend, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the estate’s already colourful history.