Parents fear intimidation as Heywood Community Guard group unravels after GoFundMe suspended

Parents in Heywood say they no longer feel safe at the school gates after new WhatsApp leaks revealed members of the self-styled Heywood Community Guards discussing direct action, late-night drives, and “door knocks” on local residents.

The new leaks follow Roch Valley Radio’s earlier investigation into the group’s internal WhatsApp chats, which revealed hateful and conspiratorial content shared under the guise of “community safety.”

In the latest screenshots reviewed by Roch Valley Radio, members of the group appear to coordinate drives around Heywood, offering to “pay petrol” for those willing to “do a drive about for an hour.” Other messages suggest physically confronting people described as “weirdos,” while others encourage each other to “knock on doors” or “watch them at night.”

These discussions, often using aggressive language and targeting individuals in the local area, have sparked concern among parents and residents who say the group’s actions have become intimidating.

In one exchange, a member wrote:

• “That weirdo’s at Harwood Park again apparently.”
• Another replied:
• “Needs locking up,”
• to which a third added,
• “Thought we got to the bottom of this and he is picking his cousin up. Apparently he has special needs.”

The conversation, targeting an innocent individual with disabilities, has been cited by concerned residents as an example of why the group’s activities have become unsafe and unacceptable in public spaces.

These discussions, often using aggressive language and aimed at named individuals, have alarmed parents who say the group’s presence is now intimidating.

Since the publication of Roch Valley Radio’s initial report, hundreds of comments have flooded social media, both defending and condemning the Heywood Community Guards, but in the types of messages being sent, the question is now, if you don't fit the criteria, are you safe at the school gates?.

When the leak occurred and Roch Valley Radio published the initial report, the reaction from the Community Guards was them being more angered about the leak, with one member saying;

Among the reactions, disturbing threats have been made online toward the person believed to have leaked the original screenshots.

Locals have described a climate of fear and division, with one resident writing online:

“It feels like they’re policing the community themselves. People are scared to speak up because of the backlash.”

The group’s GoFundMe page, which had raised more than £3,100, has now been removed by GoFundMe.

The fundraiser, titled Heywood Community Guards, claimed to raise money for DBS checks and training, but questions quickly emerged about transparency, oversight, and whether the group held any legal or safeguarding credentials.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) told Roch Valley Radio:

“We ask residents not to take policing into their own hands. Our neighbourhood officers and PCSOs are dedicated to community safety. Anyone concerned about suspicious behaviour should report it directly to the police.”

Local primary schools also reiterated that they do not support or recognise any unofficial patrol groups.
In a joint letter to parents, headteachers wrote:

“No organisation has been invited by the school to patrol the premises. These individuals are not known to staff and are not DBS checked. We have a dedicated safeguarding team, and any concerns should be raised with the school directly.”

On Facebook, a user known as 'Sandra Smith' published a poll in the group asking whether Roch Valley Radio should be 'banned' from it.  

Whilst another group member asked the group whether they should ask Roch Valley Radio, the reporter who published the story, who the leak was from the group.