It started as a private green space for the Victorian residents of Ardwick.

But in recent years, Ardwick Green has been battling an unsavoury reputation.

Police say the spot - just a stone’s throw from Manchester Apollo - became ‘plagued’ with drug users who would ‘descend’ from the city centre to buy heroin and crack from local dealers.

They were preyed upon by brothers Martin and Dougie Joyce and their gofers - who used the park to run a drugs line.

Earlier this year, members of the gang were jailed after being busted in the park by undercover cops posing as users.

After repeatedly calling the 'JJ' line, an officer met with two mountain bike-riding runners at Ardwick Green Park on at least 10 occasions and was sold crack cocaine and heroin.

When police raided Martin Joyce's girlfri

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