Vandals and yobs leave Darnall couple 'living in fear'

Peter Simpson and Mary Hayball with friend Susan Smith, centre, by the damaged front door of their block of flats in Darnall.

Peter Simpson and wife Mary Hayball have recorded more than 20 separate incidents of antisocial behaviour near their council flat in Mather Walk, Darnall, in the last six months.

They say they have to put up with people shouting and swearing at night, and throwing things from windows.

The couple have repeatedly urged the council to sort out the problems, but say nothing has been done.

The latest act of vandalism left the secure front door to their complex hanging off its hinges.

"We've had people coming into the building, smashing the door and smashing the windows and waking people up in the early hours of the morning," said Mr Simpson, 74.

"Everyone in this block has complained."

The council asked Mr Simpson to fill in report sheets and document each incident. But with the list growing longer by the week, he wants action now.

"People are living in fear," he said. "People have children coming to stay and they are absolutely petrified.

"I'm not going to put up with that. That's the last straw."

Mr Simpson said he called the police whenever trouble started, and had no complaints with their response, but wanted to see more action from the council.