GANGS of up to 40 youths are terrorising a Radcliffe housing estate.

They post firecrackers and urinate through letterboxes, and smash windows at the homes of terrified pensioners.

Tenants and residents in and around St Andrew's Street say they are being forced to live under siege conditions.

Local Councillor Barry Briggs said: "I know of one old man who basically locks his door at 7pm and is too afraid to go out again until the next morning. People shouldn't have to live like that."

He added: "Many of the younger children are out until after midnight. Their parents should know what they are getting up to."

One woman is already trying to find a new home just weeks after moving in to the area. In another home the children are too scared to sleep upstairs because missiles are hurled at their windows.

The problem has also spilled over into the churchyard of St Andrew's.

The Rev Nick Grayshon said: "Gravestones have been knocked over and they play noisy ghetto blasters in the grounds. I've had eggs thrown at my windows and graffiti carved on doors and windows. The situation is getting worse."

But Coun Briggs is determined to put an end to the reign of terror.

"I will organise a meeting between the police, youth co-ordinators and all interested parties to try to find a solution," he said.

"Part of the problem is a lack of suitable facilities for young people in this part of town. But while the youngsters have rights, it must be understood that they also have a responsibility to others living in the neighbourhood."

Two years ago Coun Briggs was instrumental in organising a similar meeting which seemed to calm things down.

But in recent months the problem has flared up again, making life a nightmare for the thugs' victims.

Police are aware of the problem and have already mounted an operation which saw extra patrols by Township police, Whitefield police and Special Constables.

Inspector John Higson, head of Radcliffe Township, said: "It appears we had some success. At the start of the operation we were responding to around eight complaints a night, but by the weekend we did not have a single complaint."

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