PENSIONERS living at Rosewood Court sheltered accommodation in Liden have become prisoners in their own homes, according to the residents' association chairman.

Harry Ellis says many elderly residents are too scared to venture from their flats for fear of being intimidated by teenagers or mugged.

Mr Ellis, 60, says the problem is exacerbated because of a lack of visible policing in the area.

The concerns echo those of thousands of pensioners across Britain asked to give their views in the country's largest ever survey into the fear of street crime.

Of those questioned, 37 per cent of over 50s and 47 per cent of over 75s said they were too afraid to leave the house at night because of verbal abuse and muggings. A further 18 per cent said the fear of crime left them feeling lonely and isolated.

An unprecedented 4,000 pensioners responded to Age Concern's questionnaire.

When asked to give their 'wish list' for reducing street crime in Britain, 61 per cent demanded more police on the beat or more visible policing while also calling for an improved understanding between young and old, better street lighting and public transport and more CCTV.

Mr Ellis said: "These figures are quite worrying, but we're very fortunate here that everyone looks out for each other. Even so, when the schools finish and children pile on the streets, very few people leave Rosewood Court, especially in the summer.

"Many people have never seen a policeman round here. Liden is a lovely place to live, but very difficult to police.

"I'd like to see more police patrols and CCTV cameras because people are genuinely scared. Retirement should be a time when people start to enjoy their lives instead people are living in fear. The reason there aren't more muggings here is because pensioners don't go out."

Age Concern is now calling on policy makers and crime prevention agencies to help pensioners eliminate fear.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, said: "The fear of crime has undoubtedly trapped many people in their own homes and these figures are alarming."

However, despite these worrying findings the survey was not conducted in Swindon.

Chief Inspector Roger Warner, of Swindon police, said a new community beat officer will shortly be appointed to area to specifically address the concerns raised by the residents.