Meadow Well Riots

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The Meadow Well Riots were a series of violent protests that took place on 9 September 1991 on the Meadow Well public housing estate , east of Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

The estate was built in the 1930s to accommodate residents of some people in nearby North Shields. It was originally called The Ridges but in 1968 the local council changed its name to Meadow Well to try and improve its image. It was a no go area for non residents and police alike before the riots happened.

The riots themselves were triggered by the deaths of Dale Robson and Colin Atkins who were killed during a police chase when they were driving a stolen vehicle. Friends of the pair believed their deaths were no accident and began looting shops on the estate and setting buildings on fire. These included a youth centre, a Fish and Chip shop as well as an electricity sub-station. Police and fire crews were pelted with bricks. It was estimated that at its height 400 people were involved. 37 people were arrested, including one who was jailed for four and a half years.

Since the riots £66 million has been spent on regenerating the estate. Around 750 properties have been demolished and new houses have gone up. A new community centre, health centre and police station have been established.