MY partner and I unfortunately live at the centre of the chaos which is caused by uncontrolled youths in the Malden area in Kentish Town (Telling a Bronx tale of life in Kentish Town, H&H June 14). All that we have read is not anywhere as horrible as what

MY partner and I unfortunately live at the centre of the chaos which is caused by uncontrolled youths in the Malden area in Kentish Town (Telling a Bronx tale of life in Kentish Town, H&H June 14).

All that we have read is not anywhere as horrible as what local residents actually experience day in and day out at Denton Estate, Malden Road, St Silas Place and surrounding areas.

Fear of retribution keeps tenants from coming forward. The kids can be extremely intimidating. I am told that the police have known the problems well for many years, yet they have done nothing to tackle them effectively.

Personally, we have been the victims of robbery, burglary and a serious assault at the hands of local youths. On another occasion we were cornered on the road by some 10 youths carrying baseball bats and spoiling for a fight. Although some were as young as 10, they were numerous. In gangs, they are not afraid. It was a miracle that we escaped serious injury, although we were both quite shaken.

The kids continue to create a nuisance, generally making noise, launching fireworks, causing trouble and keeping us awake at night.

Sometimes they decide to have a rampage in the area and terrorise the neighbourhood. People call the police. They show up, but no sooner have they gone than the kids reappear. Turmoil as late as 2am is commonplace.

We have thought of relocating, but it is impossible in our particular circumstances to do so. Like many others, we feel trapped. Apart from the culprits who terrorise the neighbourhood, other residents are law abiding and decent.

We have reported most incidents to the police but have now stopped since no action is ever taken to either deal with the problem or even to get us to identify the youths responsible for these crimes.

One thing that might be useful would be to redesign the grounds of the estates around here, to put up fencing and stop the rat runs.

Evicting the leader's family would seem to be the next move.

In the meantime, the police should now take action and patrol the area in the evenings and especially at weekends when the problem is exacerbated. Weekends and evenings are the times of utmost difficulty for the local residents.

CONCERNED COUPLE

(Names and address supplied)