HOUSES in a West End street are being systematically vandalised by gangs of tearaways who are too young to be prosecuted.

Residents in Marlborough Road claim the situation has turned into a "nightmare" and local property agents have resorted to hiring a private security firm in a bid to stop the destruction.

A number of properties have had every single window, light fitting and plug socket smashed by the vandals

One new tenant had only been in a flat four hours when it was burgled and the gas fires stolen.

More than 30ft of railings have been pulled down, one resident had "grass" sprayed on the front door and there is widespread graffiti and theft.

A worker employed to fix up one of the empty properties had to pay money to children who threatened to smash up his van if he didn't give them the cash.

And in a week when crime was reported to have dropped 10 per cent, residents claim it's worse than ever.

"It's like a jungle," said one of the residents. "What are we supposed to do? Put bars on our windows and lock ourselves in?"

Morecambe property agent, John Lamoury, explained that they had no choice but to call in a private security firm. "We have three properties on Marlborough Road that have been systematically destroyed. It's been an absolute nightmare - after they've finished it looks like a war zone. The police are always picking up the offenders but they're too young to prosecute and we've had no choice but to employ a security firm."

The boss of the security firm hired to watch properties on the street, Alan Lingwood, explained: "There's a lot of crime and vandalism in that neighbourhood. We're closely monitoring the situation and, if we catch anyone, we immediately inform the police. Hopefully we can deter what's going on but we're well aware that it's half term next week."

Local councillors admitted that crime and vandalism was a major problem.

"We hear crime is falling but that's not the experience of people living in the West End," said Cllr Trevor Tattersall.

"We've had £20 million spent over six years regenerating this area but you've only got to spend some time in the West End to see it hasn't worked. I reckon we've got half the businesses we had in the area despite all the regeneration money.

"It's very sad but a lot of the people living there just want to get out as soon as they can."

Fellow councillor, David Whitaker added: "The police are working their guts out to try and sort this area out. It's only a small area but it has got really bad. I feel very sorry for the people who have to put up with it."