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06.03.2023 - 23:59 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Curry Mile is undoubtedly one of the city's most famous streets. The stretch of Wilmslow Road connecting the city centre to Fallowfield and beyond is known far and wide for its historic selection of authentic curry houses, sweet shops, cafes, and more.
However, the owners of two businesses that have stood on the Rusholme street for decades recently told the Manchester Evening News that the Curry Mile was no longer living up to its famous reputation. They spoke of increased visible crime, from drug dealing to muggings, aggressive begging, rats, litter and anti-social driving, which they say is discouraging people from visiting and severely affecting business.
Instead of being the city's brightest illustration of spirit of enterprise and diversity it has gone "downhill," said Abdullah Albaydar, whose family have run restaurant Al Jazeera for more than 30 years. Muhammad Khader, who runs the Jafra restaurant amongst other businesses, agreed.
READ MORE: 'It used to be beautiful': The Curry Mile restaurateurs who say it's 'gone so downhill'
"There’s a lot of gangs and crime here now, it’s not for families anymore," Abdullah said. Muhammad added: "It used to be a really beautiful place, really amazing with a great atmosphere, but it’s gone so downhill over the last few years."
Most concerningly, Abdullah said: "People come expecting to see a really good atmosphere. Families come from all over the north and the rest of the world, Dubai, Singapore, at the weekend because they’ve heard it’s a good place for them without the usual pubs and alcohol. But they don’t come back because of these kinds of problems.
"We get people here who come from abroad after hearing about the famous Curry Mile in Manchester but they are so
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The Curry Mile is a unique institution of which Manchester has been proud for decades - and you'll do well to find a resident who hasn't had a memorable time here.
The Curry Mile is a unique institution of which Manchester has been proud for decades - and you'll do well to find a resident who hasn't had a memorable time here.
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