LOUTS and drunks on a Bradford on Avon housing estate have been making life a misery for residents for over a year.

Since residents moved to newly-built Bailey's Barn housing estate, off Moulton Drive, last July they have been constantly terrorised by drunks, drug users and louts.

Police took the unusual step of writing to all the residents on the estate, which has a mix of private and Westlea Housing Association properties, in June, urging them to monitor any incidents.

Residents said the louts constantly shout, swear and use abusive behaviour, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and take drugs.

Cars have also been scratched with keys and one child was chased by a man with a knife.

One mum, who lives in a housing association house in Bailey's Barn and did not want to be named, said: "They are known to be doing drugs on the estate. There are also two alcoholics."

She said her baby is woken up with the noise that often continues until 4am.

In their letter police advised residents to monitor the situation.

But the angry mum said: "To be honest I don't think anyone can be bothered to sort it out because we have been monitoring it since we moved in and nothing has been done."

She said: "Nobody will transfer with us now because they think this is the rough estate.

"West Wiltshire District Council said we were all supposed to have been vetted but we all think it is a joke now."

She said there are a few main culprits who attract other people to the neighbourhood.

Another mum, who lives in a £250,000 private house with her husband, said they would never have bought it if they had known what to expect.

"If we were ever trying to sell this house we would never be able to in the summertime because they are all out there drinking," she said.

"We have got a little baby who is growing up and we don't want him to listen to that sort of language."

The couple complained to Westlea Housing Association earlier this year and were told to keep a record of any incidents.

PC Nigel Bullimore, of Bradford Police, said: "We are aware there is an unruly element in the area and we are working in conjunction with the housing association to curb the behaviour."