Tenants on a Bradford estate say they have to barricade themselves in their homes to keep safe.

Now people living in Hallwood Green, Ravenscliffe, have called in Bradford North MP, Terry Rooney.

The 15 remaining tenants are surrounded by about 20 empty properties and say the area is targeted by vandals aged from seven to 16.

The tenants, most of whom are elderly, say windows are smashed as they sit inside and one has installed bars over the glass and a metal fence.

They say they cannot get answers from landlords Bradford North Community Housing Trust about why the area is being emptied.

Angela Gardner, 48, said: "It's difficult to get anybody to do anything when we report repairs. They put new windows and doors in garages and then bulldozed them.

"We can't understand what is going on. There are rumours they want to move us out and bulldoze the properties but they are only about 20 years old."

Other complaints include a pipe gushing water for a year; no security lights and uneven paving.

Barry Elgie, 65, who has put bars on his windows, said he had been forced to barricade himself in because of attempted break ins.

Mr Rooney said he would speak to the tenants. He added: "I understand there are serious design worries with these properties and their future will be considered. It should be fully discussed with the tenants."

Chris Hodgson head of operations for North Bradford Housing Trust said: "Demand for properties on Hallwood Green has been low for some time. We have been talking to residents informally and full consultation will take place soon.

He said outstanding repairs and other concerns would be discussed. The garages were demolished on health and safety grounds.

A police spokesman said the force was working closely with partners to alleviate problems. Anyone who could give information about damage should contact Eccleshill Police on Bradford 3767059.

A Council spokesman said work was being done on footpaths and damaged flagstones in the would be relaid in the next few weeks.

"The Ravenscliffe area will be surveyed again early in the next financial year and new priorities will then be set for repairs in 2005/2006."