Sutton couple live in fear of youths

John (73) and Shirley (77) Harvey have resulted to sleeping in shifts for fear of their flat being broken into and attacked as they sleep.

For the past 14 months the Harveys have been the victims of anti-social behaviour in their council owned flat run by Ashfield Homes. They accuse the authorities of being slow to take action and ensure all tenants are abiding by their Tenants Charter Rules.

The retired couple have lived at Brookhill Court in Sutton for 15 years and never had any trouble. But they have been living in daily fear since Ashfield Homes started housing younger people near them.

Mr and Mrs Harvey have had soggy bread chucked in their face, had abuse hurled at them and been kept awake at all hours of the night by parties.

Mr Harvey said: “The letter box has to be sealed at all times because they push rubbish through it and the threats of violence keep getting worse, we are scared that if nothing is done we are going to end up in hospital. We have finally said enough is enough, no one should have to live in fear in their own home.”

Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero and Sutton East coun Steve Carroll have pledged their support to bring change.

An Ashfield District Council spokesman said: “In incidents of intimidation the council has and uses a range of powers to ensure that all parties involved understand the implications and impact of their actions.

“The council will be entering into discussions with Ashfield Homes Ltd. to determine whether or not any adjustments are needed to housing allocation policies.”