Resident Pat Chambers, 69, of James Close, Worcester, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is being plagued by youths

Residents of James Close, Worcester, say the "peace and quiet" they are entitled is being destroyed by gangs of up to 10 youths, who deal and use drugs as well as threaten people with violence.

69-year-old resident Pat Chambers, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) uses oxygen to aid her breathing. She said her window is blighted by youths, who sit on a wall outside her window smoking cannabis.

"Most of us suffer with respiratory problems and the last thing we want is to be ingesting weed", she said.

"I have smoke coming into my flat- I don’t know how.

"It is getting ridiculous. I can see them every day - when I see them I get absolutely livid.

"The police know about the drug pushing but do nothing about it. They sit on my wall outside my window and make rude noises.

"I am 69 but we have people here aged 60 to 94. We have worked hard all our lives and we are entitled to some peace and quiet but we have not got it.

"I have had fingers stuck up at me and I have been threatened - my life has been turned upside down.

"I first moved here two and a half years ago - but now I want to move out."

Residents claim they have complained to Fortis Living, which manages the retirement properties, and have held a meeting with the company to try to discuss the issues but so far nothing has been done.

A 72-year-old resident, who has lived in the street for 11 years, and asked to remain anonymous, said: "We have told Fortis about the drugs. In the last five to six years it has gone downhill. It is dreadful, with drug dealings.

"Something needs to be done but as we have said before something will only be done when somebody gets hurt and that is what we don’t want."

An 82-year-old woman, who has been living there for four years, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: "The first time I felt unsafe was just after I moved in.

"I just want to feel safe and you can’t feel safe at the moment. I would look to move if it gets any worse."

A number of residents said they were too afraid to speak to the Worcester News for fear of reprisals.

A Fortis Living spokesman said: "We take reports of antisocial behaviour seriously and will take action to prevent and resolve any problems. Dealing with such behaviour is never easy and involves the input and cooperation of a number of organisations including the police, councils, social landlords and others. We are committed to working alongside them to tackle the issues James Close residents are experiencing."

Inspector Tanya Beckett, of Worcester safer neighbourhood team, said: "We always strive to do all we can to protect those in the community from harm.

"Officers routinely patrol the area and we continue to work with our partners and agencies including the council, schools, Swanswell, and housing associations in a bid to address any potential anti-social issues.

"Drugs use is an issue that we do not take lightly and we will tackle any reports of any such activity through robust enforcement that targets drug supply, drug related crime and any associated anti-social behaviour.

"Information from the community is an invaluable tool in tackling drugs-related activity however, and we are keen to engage with them."

Anyone with information or concerns about drug taking is urged to call 101.

Residents can report antisocial behaviour to Fortis Living call 0330 123 0700.