ELDERLY folk living on a Preston estate say they are being intimidated by youths, who are even following them home from the post office after collecting their pensions.

The pensioners, from the Larches estate, say the thugs are also subjected to verbal abuse, vandalism and are being forced to endure rowdy behaviour on their doorstep.

Local councillor Joe Fitzgerald held a residents' meeting at Ashton-on-Ribble High School last night (Wednesday), during which he hopes to encourage people to help OAPs.

One terrified pensioner, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "I have been followed home from the local post office by youths who hang around there all day.

"They walk a few paces behind me all the way home, and then they carry on walking. It is terrifying. I'm shaking as I walk, just waiting to be hit.

"All I am carrying is my state pension, and I have to live off that. I try to go out as little as possible, and definitely not after dark. I am not the only one.

"I know people have heard it before, but we do feel like prisoners."

Coun Fitzgerald says he has hear many similar tales, but believes the problem can only be solved if the community works together.

He said: "We have an overwhelming problem with anti-social behaviour here and it needs to be combated.

"But heavy-handed tactics aren't the answer. Youngsters don't respond to that. The community needs to come together to discuss the problems and suggest solutions."

Representatives from Lancashire Police were due to attend the meeting, to appeal for people to contact them if they feel threatened.

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