DRUG and alcohol-fuelled youths are making life a living hell for residents at a council-owned block of flats, claims a woman from Orford.

The woman, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, is calling for the council to take action after a series of attacks on flats in Ulverston Avenue. She says that the young thugs are terrorising residents and visitors.

"Windows and doors have been smashed and there was one occasion when they had loosened the handrail and I fell down the stairs," she said.

"There are a gang of youths that hang around there all the time drinking alcohol which none of them look old enough to do. I've also found syringes scattered all over the place."

She fears it may only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

"There are some concrete blocks which overhang the stairwell which they have been chipping away at. It terrifies me that it could become loose and fall on someone's head."

Police have confirmed that they have been called to five incidents involving youths since September last year.

Tom Roberts, director of the borough council's housing department, said they were keeping an eye on the situation.

He said: "We are aware that from time to time youths gather in the area. It is not a problem that is unique to Ulverston Avenue - it happens all over the town.

"There is no simple solution. If we know of a persistent group there is action we can take. For example, we can write to their parents and let them know what their children are doing."

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