Whiston woman ‘living in fear’ on quiet cul-de-sac

A WOMAN with a debilitating illness says she is “living in fear” because dozens of youths are gathering outside her bungalow “every night”.

She said that up to 60 children had been congregating in Howlett Close, a quiet cul-de-sac in Whiston, nightly.

The 59-year-old, who suffers with ME, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, said the youths were keeping her awake at night - and had been banging on the window of her council-owned property and climbing on to her neighbour’s roof.

“I’m having a nightmare with kids in the street all the time,” said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous.

“They keep me awake at night. They are smoking outside and it’s coming inside the bungalow.

“Next to me I have a woman who is 100-years-old and I’m frightened for her. She can’t get out of the house and she has to lock the door.

“I’m living in fear all the time.”

The woman said she suffered from ME and if she did not go to bed at 7pm then she suffered the following day.

She said she had been told she could move to a home but refused because she had spent a lot of money on her bungalow and garden.

“The council woman said I could have a transfer but I don’t want a transfer,” she said. “I’ve lived here for eight years and had no trouble.”

A police spokeswoman said there had been three reports of suspected nuisance and anti-social behaviour in Howlett Close, Whiston, in September, but none this month.

“The incidents, reported by different members of the community, included reports of groups of young people gathering on the street,” she said.

“Officers responded to each incident, speaking to whoever was at the location when they arrived, and no crimes have been identified at this time. 

“Local officers will work alongside the council and community to address issues identified, and would urge anyone with concerns to report them to the authorities.”

Tom Bell, assistant director of housing at Rotherham Council, said: “Housing officers responded quickly to the report of anti-social behaviour at Howlett Close and resolved the issue with the help of residents and South Yorkshire Police. No further issues have been reported. 

“Making sure our tenants are safe in their homes is a priority and we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in our communities. If you experience any anti-social behaviour on or around your property, please contact the police on 101.”

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