Residents afraid for their safety

People living in Malvern's Brookside Close say they are being victimised by gangs who mistakenly believe the estate has sex offenders on it.

But they claim the estate is for those with drink and drug problems.

One resident, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said most of those living on the estate had had their windows smashed or had been the victims of vandalism.

"We are people on pills for depression and this sort of thing is not helping us," he said.

"We have come here after problems with drink, drugs and depression and are trying to get our heads together."

But he added that he and others living on the estate felt they were being forgotten by Elgar Housing Association, which owns the properties, and Worcestershire County Council's social services.

Attacks

"This is the forgotten area down here. This is the trash can we are thrown into and forgotten about," he added.

"We need a warden on site to help us and protect the estate from these kind of attacks.

"We had one up until a few months ago but she left and no one has been brought in to replace her.

"The social services are not interested in helping us either. We are being let down by both of them when we need help to stop this happening."

Sarah Edwards, mental health and locality manager for services provided by social services and the NHS Trust, said everything possible was being done to help the residents.

"People are placed on the estate with the understanding it is sheltered accommodation with a warden," she said.

"All those in the development who need a social worker have a social worker and they are receiving whatever help they are entitled to. The warden is the responsibility of Elgar Housing."

Clare Huyton, executive director at Elgar Housing Association, said the estate had a temporary warden but the position was being reviewed.

"We are looking to put someone into the estate who will be able to offer more support for those living in it," she said.