GANGS of children as young as six are terrorising a notorious Warminster housing estate, leaving many elderly people too frightened to leave their homes.

Now residents of the Portway estate are bracing themselves for more chaos over the Christmas holidays, with at least one pensioner being advised by police to stay in his house.

The children, aged from six to 13, are smashing windows, damaging property and shouting abuse at passers-by.

Jack Harris, 79, who has lived in Portway for 20 years, said: "I'm going to have a really miserable Christmas because the kids will be off and I'll be stuck inside. The children involved are very young and one of the ringleaders lives near me.

"The police have advised me to stay inside and not confront anyone. The estate never used to be this bad and I don't know what can be done.

Inspector Geoff Miles of Warminster police said no frightened residents should confront troublemakers.

He said: "We are patrolling the area regularly and we are trying to appoint a new Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, but Portway is no worse than any other estate in the area.

"Any information would be greatly received, but it's not just down to the police; the whole community can help."

One community leader is now demanding action to tackle the rising tide of young lawlessness.

Local councillor John Syme, who is also chairman of the estate's residents' and tenants' association, said: "It's been going on for the last eight years and I've written to every household on the estate to explain what the problems are and what can be done.

"I'm particularly worried about the Christmas period as the kids will be off from school."

Cllr Syme is determined to organise a meeting with West Wiltshire Housing Society, which has owned most of the houses on the Portway estate

since March this year, and invite the police and the community safety officer, Pippa McVeigh.

Cllr Syme said: "My hands are tied and I don't know how far I can go. I'm looking for a positive response from the housing society and Mrs McVeigh within the next 14 days. I'm angry at the lack of progress, as I can't be expected to do everything for them."

Ellie Phillips, a spokesman for the housing society, said: "We would welcome a meeting with John Syme. We've got problem estates all over west Wiltshire, but we work closely with police to find solutions.

"We need people to come forward to name the culprits if we can't name we can't shame. "