A GROUP of residents in Castle say they are prisoners in their own homes as neighbours are making their lives a misery.

They say they are too scared to go out at night and have to suffer abusive behaviour, vandalism, noise and a procession of people coming and going in Highfield Place.

And their borough councillor Brian Cooke says Weaver Vale Housing Trust is glossing over the problem.

Clr Cooke was furious at comments made by the Trust in last week's Guardian, saying it was evicting tenants and applying for anti-social behaviour injunctions to deal with the issue.

He said: "We have been complaining for months, we have sent letters and emails and still nothing is being done."

Resident Tina Gilmore, who has a small baby, said noise from a party had continued until 3.30am on Saturday.

She said: "We shouldn't have to put up with this.

"We are the victims in all this, yet we are made to feel that the trouble makers are the victims."

Sarah Sayward said: "These people are living in fear. We can't go out at night. I like to go to bingo but I am terrified of coming home."

Tom Tilley, Weaver Vale area housing manager, said: "We have done everything in our power to take residents' concerns on board and they have never been ignored or neglected. We have documentary evidence to prove that the Trust has visited and contacted tenants in the area on several occasions.

"Action taken by the Trust has included obtaining injunctions restraining tenants or visitors to the property from acting in an anti-social manner. The Trust can also pursue possession action which may result in tenants losing their homes. I am willing to meet with Clr Cooke and the residents of Highfield Place to explain our policies and procedures on anti-social behaviour and to agree a plan of action with them."