AN angry pensioner says police are failing to stop youths who are terrorising elderly residents in his sheltered housing complex.

Leonard Hawkins, 85, has been living in Snowdon Place, in Stratton, for nearly a year and says he has had constant problems with gangs of youths creating trouble outside.

But, despite repeated calls to the police, he says nothing has been done.

"This has been going on for ages," he said.

"These gangs of youths are always causing hassles.

"They are climbing up trees, trying to break into the bungalows and all sorts.

"They keep going into the bus shelters and people who want to wait in the bus shelters can't go in.

"Sometimes they squat in the back sheds where the electric meters are.

"I've called the police a few times, but don't I seem to get anywhere.

"I rang them once just after Boxing Day to tell them that these youths were trying to break in and they said they would be down but no-one came.

"The next day when I rang, I was told they hadn't been able to respond because they had been occupied elsewhere.

"When they finally did come out they did nothing about it."

In fact, Mr Hawkins said he got so fed up with the lack of police action, he contacted his MP Michael Wills for help.

Yet, despite Mr Wills contacting the police himself, Mr Hawkins is still waiting for some peace of mind.

"I've spoken to the council on the home line and the wardens have mentioned it to the council as well, but no one is doing anything, and we have to go through this again and again," he said.

Mr Wills said Mr Leonard's concerns are not uncommon and he has discussed police action on anti-social behaviour with the force's chief constable.

He said: "It is important that police respond quickly to all calls and it is something I've discussed with the chief constable in meetings with him.

"Public confidence is high and people feel safe when police respond quickly.

"I am concerned that the police do not appear to have given Mr Hawkins' calls the attention they deserve and I hope that they will now contact him quickly to put matters right."

A spokeswoman for Swindon Council said the warden who visits Mr Hawkins was monitoring the situation.

And Mr Hawkins can also expect another visit from police officers after they vowed to take his concerns more seriously.

A police spokesman said: "Anti-social behaviour is an issue which Wiltshire Police take very seriously and will not tolerate.

"All residents have the right to live in a safe and pleasant area and behaviour such as this can be extremely upsetting.

"Local Neighbourhood Police Team officers will be visiting Mr Hawkins to gain more information on the issues and to tackle any anti-social behaviour in the area."