ROWDY teenagers are frightening old people in a retirement area.

Elderly residents of bungalows in Canterbury Close, Weymouth, say they are being intimidated by noisy youngsters who are ruining their quality of life.

Local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Michael Yeatman, 64, claims he has suffered verbal abuse and harassment from the teenagers.

He said: "They congregate outside and often they are knocking on doors just to annoy people.

"Many residents in this area suffer from health problems and they don't need all this torment."

Alec Vincent, 67, has lived on the estate for three years with his wife Dorothy and said they find it impossible to relax in the evening.

He added: "I know children are going to be noisy when they are playing, but this has gone too far. They are using the area as a skate park, racing round on bikes, banging on doors, throwing objects at people and stealing garden ornaments.

"They are often here late at night and the noise sometimes goes on as late as midnight."

Mr Vincent said the problem has gradually got worse over the last few months, with gangs of youngsters out on the street almost every night of the week.

He said: "I have often gone out and asked them to leave and to be fair some of them will move on, but most of the time I just get a lot of cheek from them and the language is disgusting."

Residents are now hoping to set up a meeting to get reassurance that efforts are being made to curb the disturbances.

Inspector Tony Rudd of Weymouth police said: "I would be very happy to hold a meeting with residents in Canterbury Close.

"We have only had a handful of reports of anti-social behaviour in this area since January, so I would urge people to make sure the police are aware of these incidents.

"There has to be a balance, people do have to live together, but in matters where we have evidence of anti-social behaviour we will enforce the law."