People are living in fear on a Glasgow housing estate they say is being torn apart by violence, vandalism and drugs.

Residents in the Wyndford area of Maryhill say they are being terrorised by violent yobs and claim their once close-knit neighbourhood has become a living hell.

One resident, whose identity we are protecting, told how elderly people have become scared to leave their own homes.

He said: “Although I’m older now, I was never someone who was frightened or easily intimidated, but even I’m getting wary of going out.

“This used to be a decent place, somewhere people looked out for one another. Now folk are scared to go to the local shop for fear of being physically or verbally assaulted.”

The man says he has been flagging his concerns with Police Scotland for almost 24 months – but claims that nothing has been done.

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He added: “You just need to look out your window and you see drugs being sold on street corners. It is blatant, yet all the police say is they need to gather more intelligence.

“I’ve provided names and addresses, but nothing has been done. This started about two years ago and things have just got worse and worse – now the decent folk here are at breaking point. We’ve become prisoners in our own homes.”

The pensioner also says that youths are often seen brawling in the street.

He added: “There is constant fighting. These youngsters are barely out of school, yet some are out of their heads on street Valium and other drugs.

“Police always say they need the community to supply them with information, yet people here are giving them it, putting themselves at risk, but with no results.

“There’s one guy who has moved out and is trying to sell his flat. He’s having to come back and sleep in it at night for fear someone will break in and destroy the place.”

The Glasgow Times visited the area and spoke to several elderly residents, many of whom claim to be living in fear.

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They described how louts have broken the security locks on the door of a close in Wyndford Road and now use it as a drugs den.

Another resident told how she has lived in the area for the last 25 years but now wants to move.

She added: “The place has become unrecognisable from where I grew up. People are terrified to even try and take a trip to the supermarket at the end of the road for fear of being threatened or set upon.

“Youths are coming from all over to congregate, drinking and causing trouble in the street, terrorising people effectively. Nobody should feel like this in their own home and that’s why I just want to try and get away while I’m fit and able.”

Locals have now taken the issues to local MSP Bob Doris, who says he has raised their concerns with the chief constable.

Glasgow Times: Bob Doris MSPBob Doris MSP (Image: Supplied)

Mr Doris said: “Constituents made me aware of a flare up in anti-social behaviour some time ago and I met with Police Scotland in July to discuss the various concerns raised with me. I urged for additional resources to be deployed. Whilst it remains highly concerning that these issues remain ongoing, it is at least encouraging to hear more police resources and an action plan is now been developed.

“I plan to meet with Police Scotland in the near future get an update on the situation. 

Police Scotland told the Glasgow Times that they are working closely with partners to crack down on the anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Julie Davenport said: “Local officers are working closely with the Wyndford community and partners including local housing providers, to address these issues and find meaningful solutions. I have also been meeting with elected representatives to discuss the issues and find solutions that will make a positive difference for the area.

“An action plan is in place with dedicated community police officers patrolling the area to provide reassurance and work with the community on these issues.

"We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour and our campus police officer is heavily involved in working with youths and their parents to divert them away from this kind of activity.

“However, we will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified."

Anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact police by calling 101.

A Wheatley Homes Glasgow spokesperson added: “We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and work closely with Police Scotland to tackle it.  

“We would urge any resident with information about anti-social behaviour or criminal activity in the Wyndford area to report it immediately to the police.”