Frightened residents on a street who are being subjected to "juvenile terrorism" say they have been forced to use barbed wire to protect their property.

Teenagers drinking, taking drugs and being aggressive to residents are among the activities residents of Plumpton Close, Wrose, are being faced with every day.

Stephen Leigh, 47, who lives in the close his wife and two daughters, said his family had been plagued by trouble-makers. The snicket is covered with broken glass, rubbish and syringes and the youngsters have tried to burn down the fence surrounding the Leigh's home.

Mr Leigh said: "It is juvenile terrorism. I work shifts in Wakefield and worry about what would happen is something kicked off and I wasn't here to protect my family."

Michaela Scott, 33, has lived on the other side of the snicket on King's Road, with her husband Mark and two children, four-year-old Mark and Joseph, two, for four years.

She said: "I only let the children play out if I am there; if there is anyone hanging around I bring them in because I cannot have them subjected to abusive language."

Although these people have been brave enough to speak out many of the elderly residents fear of reprisals and wish to remain anonymous.

And one elderly resident has used barbed wire in a bid to protect her property.

A 69-year-old man who has lived in the area for 40 years said he tried unsuccessfully to have the snicket closed a number of years ago.

Councillor David Gray (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe) said residents needed to get a petition together and involve the police.

A Rights of Way Officer for the Council's Countryside and Rights of Way Service, said applying to close a snicket was a "very lengthy process".

He said: "As this snicket is a public right of way a legal order is needed to close it. We have already been contacted by a resident requesting its closure. It is being considered to see if it meets the conditions needed for closure." A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We are aware of the issues and are aware that we have had police attention in that area.

"We have taken names and addresses of youths and sent letters to parents highlighting the problems and are continuing to pay attention to that area."