Residents living in fear of night-time attacks on their homes and property have said they are "disgusted" the Council has failed to close the alleyway their problems stem from.

At a meeting tonight, the Bradford North Area Committee said a more concerted police effort was needed in the area of Hazelcroft and Wharn-cliffe Drive, Eccleshill, and that the problem was to be discussed at the next police tasking meeting for that area.

As previously reported in the Telegraph & Argus residents, who were too frightened to be named, said their homes were persistently subjected to criminal damage.

One couple had resorted to barricading their windows with chicken wire to stop vandals smashing their way in.

Following the result of the meeting, the man said: "I'm still living like someone in a zoo. We have been so tempted to take the wires off our windows but we know for a fact that a week later our windows will be smashed again.

"Nobody seems to be listening."

He said that since the last reports there had been no more damage, but the couple still live in fear of drug users and criminals using the alley at night.

The couple, both in their fifties, moved to the house two and a half years ago hoping it would be a peaceful, mortgage-free retirement home.

Within weeks their windows had been smashed, their new car damaged and a conservatory had to be replaced.

They estimated the insurance claims and repair work to be costing about £25 a week and feared insurance companies would soon refuse to cover them.

He said: "I can't sell my house, because I would have to keep the chicken wire up and tell people exactly what was happening.

"There would be no way anyone would want to move in here."

Councillor Colin McPhee (Lib Dem, Eccleshill), who was on the committee, was "extremely disappointed" with the outcome.

He said the alleyway should either be gated or closed at certain points of the day.

He said: "From what I understand, alleyways have been gated' because of younger children making a nuisance.

"But here there is drinking, drug taking and even, I have heard, sex going on.

"I'm very disappointed with the outcome because I have got to go back and tell the residents.

"Some of them weren't too hopeful, but at least they will know I am trying my hardest for them."

The Council decided the path would remain open but with extra policing.

Crime reduction officer Ian Shreeve, who attended the meeting, said the issue would be brought up at the next tasking meeting for that area.