A WOMAN who launched a barrage of abuse at neighbours has been told she could face up to five years in prison if she continues.

Anne Storey-Day, of Penny Close, Guarlford,near Malvern, has been served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for causing months of "harassment, alarm and distress" to people on the estate.

She was ordered by Worcester Magistrates Court to keep to the terms of the order for three years.

Residents of Guarlford expressed their delight at the ruling.

"Hopefully, all the problems will stop now that action has been taken, although that remains to be seen," said Penny Close resident Karen Mucke.

Frightened

"Basically, the woman held the community to ransom. We have quite a lot of elderly residents around here and they were too frightened of reprisals to do anything about her.

"Maybe now everyone can get on with their lives."

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "I think the whole of Guarlford will be extremely relieved.

"She has affected a lot of people and it is a relief the order has been served."

ASBOs can be applied for by the police or local authority and are served for a minimum of two years.

"For many months Anne Storey-Day has caused distress to her neighbours and the community in Malvern by acting in an anti-social manner, and using foul and abusive language at all hours of the day and night.

"This has seriously affected their quality of life," said Worcester police sergeant Chris Allen.