ANGRY residents are campaigning to have a gate used by vandals to access their Bradford street blocked off to stop anti-social behaviour.

The residents said vandals have been using the gate to access their street from an old railway line, and want a fence installing to cut off access.

Robert Mazurke, of Wharncliffe Grove, Ravenscliffe, said the street has been plagued by vandals smashing people's house and car windows since December 2015, and the residents wanted something done about it.

Mr Mazurke, 68, said: "Just before Christmas there were four windows smashed, and cars had their windows smashed just after Christmas.

"About four weeks later the vandals did another four windows.

"We are all pensioners; I'm 68 and I'm one of the youngest here, the older people don't complain because they are scared so we just get ignored.

"They use a gate from the old railway to get access to our street.

"They come on their bikes, and just drag them under the gate to get onto the street; we want a fence putting up to stop them getting through, something needs to be done about it because it's just costing us money."

The houses on the street are owned by Incommunities, but a spokesman for the housing association said the fence was not the responsibility of Incommunities.

Councillor Geoff Reid (Eccleshill, Liberal Democrats) met some of the residents a few weeks ago and saw damage caused by vandals first hand.

He said: "We spoke to some of the residents recently and I saw some of the damaged cars, and its just ridiculous.

"Our intention is to hold a ward partnership meeting and get all parties - the residents, the Council, the police and Incommunities - together to discuss the issue, because it's been rumbling on for some time now and enough is enough.

"Obviously, there is very strong feeling among the local residents, it's a footpath used by a lot of people, dogwalkers and horses, but also by various undesirables.

"The issue needs carefully looking at and if closing it off is the only way then so be bit; it's not a nice thing but in these cases it could be the only way."

West Yorkshire Police said that it has been made aware of incidents of anti-social behaviour, and has spoken to Bradford Council regarding the closing of a footpath, but that a proper process needed to be followed.

The police spokesman: "We received one report of criminal damage to a Citroen C3 on March 17, and two other vehicles were mentioned in the report.

"If anyone has any information about the incident, then contact us by calling 111 quoting the crime number 13160116933, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: "The gate is locked to prevent it being used by vehicles but as it is a well used path, it is unlikely that an application for a legal order to close it permanently would be successful.

"Incidents of damage to property or other criminal acts close to the path should be reported to the police."