A STEEL fence is to be erected outside the block of flats where vandals have been making life hell for a group of Penarth pensioners.

As reported in last week’s Penarth Times, teenagers recently smashed down a wooden fence and kicked over a wall outside Hadley House, next to the Cwrt Y Vil playing fields.

The residents of the Vale Council-owned block of flats, who are all over the age of 80, were left in shock following the latest bout of anti social behaviour and called for security to be increased.

Following their plea, Plymouth Ward councillor Maureen Kelly Owen alerted Vale Council chiefs to the problem.

And on Friday, Paul Church, cabinet member for Housing and Community Safety, visited Hadley House.

“The last thing we want is for people to feel vulnerable in their own homes,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to Mike Ingram (the Vale Council's operational manager, public sector housing) and a steel fence will be erected in three weeks time.

"We're also hoping to install security lighting.

“People must feel safe in their own homes.”

It is thought that the new fence will be similar in design to one recently erected at the Billybanks estate.

Cllr Maureen Kelly Owen said: “It’s terrible that we have to protect people in this way, but unfortunately it’s the only way we can make sure these pensioners are safe in their beds.”

A Hadley House resident, who did not wished to be named, added: “It’s been awful but hopefully the new fence will put an end to the vandalism and we can have some peace.”