A barrier and closed circuit television are to be installed to help protect 30 people, including 19 frail residents, in sheltered accommodation from vandalism and abuse.

Chelmsford housing committee decided to spend £3,000 on the move on Wednesday.

Area councillor Janette Potter said that Bekeswell Place had become the slum of Galleywood. Elderly people have protested over intimidation, vandalism, noise, litter and teenage sex around the council-run accommodation.

A report is to be made on a possible roving security patrol for pensioner schemes boroughwide.

Resident Mrs Sylvia Woodcraft said: "The residents' gardens get littered with condoms."

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