A community blighted by anti-social behaviour has defended its use of controversial ‘mosquito’ devices to drive away gangs of nuisance youths.

Three of the devices, which emit a high-pitched squeal which can be heard only by people under 25 years old, were put up in Frizinghall because of young troublemakers gathering on a green near Buxton Lane.

The mosquitos have been criticised by father-of-six Lee D’Arcy, for indiscriminately targeting young people – he said the sound was affecting his children’s school work and health, as reported in Wednesday’s Telegraph & Argus.

However, his neighbours have stressed the devices were not aimed at the family.

The first one was installed to put an end to a catalogue of anti-social and criminal behaviour, including a suspected arson attack on a single woman’s home.

Janet Vass, 70, of South Road, said: “It made the woman frightened to death because she was scared of having something put through her letter box.

“There are also elderly people who live around here who are scared to go out.

“We have had bricks and stones thrown at our windows and when you speak to the kids that are doing it, you get abuse.

“We have tried everything but the mosquito is the only thing that would work.”

Police investigated the arson attack after two wheelie bins were set alight, causing toxic smoke to pour into her open bedroom window.

The woman home owner was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation following the blaze.

Other incidents have included fences at an old people’s complex being ripped down, road signs defaced, walls damaged and young people urinating against residents’ homes.

Since police put up the first mosquito after the arson in March last year, two more have been installed by Brunel Housing Association, which owns properties for people aged 55 or over, bordering the green.

All three have proved successful in stopping any more serious incidents, said Mrs Vass.

Her neighbour Richard Brook, of Buxton Lane, is a member of a committee set up by Bradford-based mediation service Community Accord, which was set up to resolve disagreements between residents.

Mr Brook, 52, and his wife Doreen both supported the use of mosquitos in the area.

He said: “We are not bothered about kids playing on the green and we have not had the mosquitos put up because of them.

“We pay our rates and we are quite easy going around this area, but there comes a point in time when you have had enough.”

A spokesman for Brunel Housing said: “The mosquito devices are activated during the evening and have proven to be hugely successful in deterring unsociable behaviour and making our communities safe and secure.”

e-mail: marc.meneaud @telegraphandargus.co.uk.