War has been declared on the gangs of youths whose anti-social behaviour has left pensioners in Bulford terrified to leave their homes after dark.

Under-age drinking, vandalism, shouting, swearing and littering by teenagers - sometimes in groups as large as 35 are making evenings a misery in parts of the small village.

Windows have been smashed, gardens churned up and complaining residents abused.

The majority of culprits are thought to be aged between ten and 16, but some residents have reported seeing children under five running round late at night.

The shop around which the youths often congregate at the start of an evening has been forced to adopt extreme measures, putting up security lights and a CCTV camera.

One woman - who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals described the intimidating gangs as a "social disease infecting our quiet little village".

"They are making our lives hell," said another resident. Now, following prolonged pressure for action to be taken, the parish council has made a formal approach to the police.

Council chairman Gordon Burt said: "This type of behaviour affects so many people because the areas where it goes on are such close environments."