Angry elderly residents in a Shipley housing complex say they are being terrorised by rowdy gangs.

Pensioners at Northcliffe View, in Cragg Road, said they have been woken late at night by young people drinking and shouting outside their flats.

And widow Marjorie Marks said residents who exercised in the grounds with mobility frames had to dodge cyclists and skateboarders cutting through the gardens.

"We're just sick of it now and some residents are thinking of moving away," said the 79-year-old. "I've lived here for almost 15 years. Up to now it's been a pleasant place to live, but these past few weeks have been hell.

"There is a playground around the corner which is lit up at night and all we ask is that they go there or go home."

Mrs Marks, who suffers from osteoporosis and uses a frame to walk, said residents regularly removed litter from the gardens, including empty beer cans, bottles and take-away packages. "We shouldn't have to live like this - even when we've asked them politely to move away they've given us nothing but abuse," she said. "The younger ones living here are in the 70s and the majority of residents are in their 80s or 90s. It's not on."

In May, the Telegraph & Argus reported that the residents were burgled and businesses rallied round to replace their stolen entertainment equipment, which included a television, karaoke machine and dart-board.

Councillor Phillip Thornton (Lab, Shipley East) said he was disgusted at the way the pensioners were treated and called for extra security measures at the complex.

"I'm working closely with the agencies involved and the police to sort this out," he said. "We will be using every tool in our toolbox and if necessary we will go to the courts to implement anti-social behaviour orders."

Sergeant Paul Robinson, of Bingley-based Problem Orientated Policing team, said: We are aware of the problem and are doing what we can to contribute towards a solution."

A meeting was held with residents, police officers and staff from the Shipley arm of Bradford Community Housing Trust, which runs the building. James Healy, head of operations for Shipley Community Housing Trust group, said: "We understand the police are looking at higher-profile policing in the area. Our tenancy-enforcement staff will continue to investigate the cause of these problems."