REPEATED acts of vandalism on a Worcester estate have left elderly residents living in fear for their lives.

Smashed windows, kicked-in fences, litter and mindless graffiti have plagued people living in and around the alleyway between Prestwich Avenue and Ronkswood Community Centre.

Retirement homes in the area have been targeted over several months, with the tops of their walls demolished last weekend, leaving piles of rubble strewn through elderly residents' gardens.

"How would these vandals feel if it was their grandparents or parents who were being targeted each week?" said Councillor Mike Layland, who represents the area.

"If they could only see the mental distress they cause to the lives of these elderly residents on top of the physical damage they cause to their properties."

He claims muggings in the alleyway, stolen garden ornaments and windows put through at Lincoln Green Community Centre are just some of a catalogue of events to leave people feeling depressed.

"Ronkswood residents are saying enough is enough," added Coun Layland.

"People have asked me to take up their problems because they fear for their lives. They're afraid to talk to the police because of reprisals.

"They're scared to go out at night. They're very afraid and very distressed."

Despite the recent setbacks, Coun Layland said he was encouraged by a recent meeting at Ronkswood Community Centre between councillors, police, youth workers and members of the public.

Since the meeting, bins have been placed at the end of the pathway to tackle the litter problem, truancy initiatives have been launched, and CCTV cameras at the community centre and Lichfield Avenue have captured the recent spate of attacks.

Coun Layland is also seeing residents who attended the meeting this week in a hope to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the Chelmsford Drive area.

PC Liz Northcott, the Beat Manager for the area, said: "I am aware of the problem and am working with police colleagues and the community to address the issues involved. CCTV has a role to play, however, it is apparent that the police are not being made aware of the full extent of the problem by the community."

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