A couple from Highfield say they are being forced to move from the area because of vandalism and abuse directed at them by gangs of youths.

Alan and Sue Gunning of Drewry Road say that over the years they have endured vandalism to their home and car and have been both physically and verbally abused.

The situation reached a head on bonfire night last year when their four wheel drive motor was vandalised, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

And after 12 years the list of incidents has finally taken its toll on the couple who say they are looking to move out of the area.

Alan, 41, an engineer at Acetarc in Dalton Lane, says: "Thirty years ago when I went to Highfield school it was a nice place, but now the whole area is just going to pot.

"We feel that with each generation the vandalism is getting worse and it seems to be getting more out of hand each year. There are group of lads roaming around at night causing trouble.

"We feel is an ongoing problem and yet nothing seems to be done about it.

"The police aren't pressing anything, and alright it must be frustrating for them, but it is more frustrating for people like us who live here.

"We need bobbies on the beat so they get to know local people and get to know the trouble makers and let them know what the line is so they don't step over it.

"It is not just a problem in Highfield and it isn't going to be solved overnight, but until we recognise there's a problem nothing will be done. If people aren't part of the solution they are part of the problem."

Sue, 37, adds: "There have been times when I have come back from the shop and my hair has been covered in spit and I have been called everything under the sun. We feel as if we are being forced out of our home.

"They are talking about investing millions in Highfield but where will all that go? It will be a total waste of money."

Chairman of the Highfield People's Action Group Glen Miller says: "I do agree there is unrest there and we are trying as hard as it possible to integrate the members of the Highfield area.

"Highfield People's Action Group is there to represent people from all over Highfeld but it is badly represented when only 25 people turn up to the meetings. The police say it isn't a no-go area but I think we need more pro-active policing in the area."

Mr Miller believes the distribution of £4million of cash from the Single Regeneration Budget to redevelop the area has led to friction in the area.

Chief Supt Derek Bonnard of Keighley police says: "We do have a pro-active approach in the area and it has had extra attention in the past.

"The community action team has spent an awful lot of time there and we have had constables patrolling the area.

"It does have longer term problems which the SRB money should help to address."

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