AS a gate to housing sheltered complex was locked this week in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour, one resident has questioned the extent of unruly behaviour reported by her neighbours.

AS a gate to housing sheltered complex was locked this week in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour, one resident has questioned the extent of unruly behaviour reported by her neighbours.

Last week the Mercury reported how elderly residents living in a complex on Frederick Road said they lived in fear after being terrorised by yobs - throwing pebbles at windows and ripping up garden plants.

However, Ann Barrett, who lives in a first floor flat on the complex which is mainly made up of bungalows, said she has never once been terrorised by youths, and felt the claims published in last week's Mercury had been exaggerated.

Mrs Barrett, 71, said: “We've never been terrorised by yobs in all the eight years I have lived here. This is a lovely, quiet area.”

Some residents in the complex had called on the borough council to lock the three gates leading to the homes and communal area in a bid to curb the anti-social behaviour.

The council has now locked one of the gates and while Mrs Barrett doesn't object to the gate being locked, she refuted claims it was being used as a rat run by gangs of youths.

She said: “I use the gates as a short cut and the majority of other people do when they are carrying shopping. I have spoken to a few residents here who also say they have never had a problem. From what I see there are no youths hanging around the area.”

Last week police said they were aware of problems in the area and had increased patrols.

Mrs Barrett added: “I have never had any reason to call the police. What has been said has been exaggerated.”