PEOPLE living in Penhill are fed up with negative perceptions of the area.

In an article penned for the Adver last month, Swindon council’s Labour group leader Jim Grant said an outbreak of “gang warfare” in Penhill and Pinehurst is a “tragedy for the town” and added “life-threatening stabbings, large-scale public disorder and ongoing damage to property” take place.

This followed an incident on Pinehurst Circle on September 10 when a 16-year old was stabbed in a brawl between rival groups.

But those who live in the neighbourhood say such comments don’t give a true picture of their community.

Here’s what you told us on Facebook....

Sophie Watson: “It’s like anywhere.You get good and bad neighbours. Penhill is nowhere near as bad as it was 30 years ago and the dynamic really has changed.

“There are just as many issues in areas people consider to be trouble-free or upmarket areas.”

Katie Heaven: “I’ve never had any issues living in Penhill. I agree with what others have said. It really doesn’t matter where you live, there will always be a mixture of good/not so good people.”

Emma Way: “It’s too easy for an area to get a bad name, but so hard to clear it!

“Some people are to judgmental, I spent most of my life growing up in Luton. Penhill is upper-class in comparison.”

Jennie Fellowes: “I don’t think it’s a new thing, the area had a reputation back in the 80s even from what I can remember.”

Andrea Glass: “I lived in Penhill for 40 years ago loved it. I now live in Moredon. It’s not the area, it’s the people who live there and now unfortunately times have changed everywhere and not for the better. Sadly.”

Katie Heaven: “I love Penhill, I’ve never had any trouble. We have a little network of neighbours/friends.

“We all look out for each other, our children play together and we support each other in any way we can, which in current times is very important!”

Roxanne Owen: “I live in Penhill and the area was lovely and it’s not the area you live in, it's the people and the reputation that they make the area to be. So that’s why people say it’s a horrible area.”

Trish Law: “We have great community spirit in our streets. I for one love where I live. I have been in Penhill the majority of my life. We all look out for each other, their kids and properties.”

Timothy O’Sullivan: “I have lived in Penhill for 27 years and have rarely seen anything to be overly concerned about.

“Some years ago a London drug dealer moved into the area and the community worked closely with the police to gather evidence and he was arrested and imprisoned.

“I live in an area with good neighbours, always looking out for each other and friendly and welcoming to anyone who visits or moves into the area.”

Colin Taylor: “It’s only got a bad reputation to people who don’t live there. I’ve never had any problems myself other than the fraternity of keyboard warriors that like to slate it.”

Jean Bunn Kelly: “Wherever you live, it’s a very small minority that spoil it. We who live in the areas beginning with P are thoroughly fed up of all being tarred with the same brush.”

Sammy Coulthard: “I’ve lived here two-and -a-half years and I don’t see an issue, I lived in town centre for 20-plus years and that’s the worst place to live, not here.

Sonia Jayne: “There is good and bad everywhere. I don’t get why people are so judgemental. I don’t live there myself but I know lovely people who do live there.”