In a week when anti-social behaviour has been in the news, I, as a normal law-abiding citizen, am left to cope on my own with the local children who live within 80 yards or so of my property.

I live on my own in a goodish area where parents take their kids to football practice, Guides, Scouts etc and on the surface would appear to be conscientious guardians.

The only problem is that when the kids are playing outside their homes, the parents close their curtains and disregard the fact that their kids are running riot.

They play football with fully inflated leather balls, and cricket with corkie balls.

They play hide and seek, tramping over well maintained gardens, and our street has been fortunate that only minor damage has occurred to date. When challenged, the parents look at me like I’m an old fuddy duddy.

Stones have been thrown at my windows and I have been given one and two finger salutes by very young children.

I feel extremely frustrated and don’t know where to turn.

The police, who are aware of the situation, appear impotent and little has been done.

Could I ask fellow Telegraph readers to share similiar experiences, good and bad, so that people, especially those on their own like myself, can benefit?

What rights do I have?

What can the police do?

What can the council do?

Ian Thomson, (via email).