A family of 15 branded the "neighbours from hell" have fled from Bradford - because they say their lives were made a misery by crime and vandalism.

The family moved into Bradford last month from Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax, where neighbours claimed the behaviour of Paul Booth, his wife Gwen, former mistress Lorraine Hames and their 12 children who all lived together had made their life hell.

When they arrived in Butler Street West last month they were given a big welcome to Bradford from their new neighbours who said they were "lovely people."

But today Mr Booth - who is reputed to receive £21,000 in benefits and has not worked for 30 years because he suffers from migraine- described how their new found "home sweet home" turned sour.

He said they had moved to New Street, Huddersfield because they been hounded by vandals from another street who lit fires beside their fence and vandalised their van.

Shortly after the Booths moved, a friend of Barry Chapman, who owns the house, found the front door had been broken into.

In a letter to the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Chapman said new carpets he had fitted were missing, the hall was covered in dog dirt and even door locks had been taken.

But one neighbour Mrs May Kirk said the Booths had left the house tidy and well boarded up when they left.

Mr Booth said there had also been break-ins when they lived there.

"We didn't want to move again but we just couldn't take it.

"The children loved it in Bradford but they couldn't sleep at night because of what was happening.

"They were going to start at new schools after the holiday and were really looking forward it.

"We had done a lot of work at the house, putting carpets down, clearing out the yard and putting fencing up.

"The neighbours were really nice and we miss them. We would like to go back and see if the Council will give us a house.

Mrs Kirk, of Butler Street West, who lived two doors away from the Booths, said: "It is very disappointing. We are very sad to lose them because they were some of the nicest neighbours we have ever had and we never believed the things that had been said about them.

"But they said they had had vandalism and unpleasantness from some other people. The fire engines were always coming round.

" The kiddies loved it here and were very upset about moving. They left everything nice and tidy and we hope they will stay in touch."

Julie Harrington, 54, of nearby Pollard Park said: "They caused no trouble round here. Everybody has a right to a personal life."

The family are living in a private six bedroom house in the Milnsbridge area and have not been allocated a house by Kirklees Council.

But they have been tracked down by Calderdale Council which will send them a £2,000 bill for the wrecked council house they left behind in Sowerby Bridge.

The Booths are contesting the bill, however and say they were not responsible for the damage which they claim was carried out by vandals after they had moved.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.