RESIDENTS on a Southampton estate have told local gangs of youths: “We are not afraid any more.”

They have been plagued by antisocial behaviour and are vowing to make a stand against gangs of youths.

An emergency public meeting has been called by the Merry Oak Residents’ Association after a rise in problems during the last two weeks.

They include instances where groups of youths have blocked off parts of roads with fencing from a nearby pub, intimidation and stone throwing.

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It’s hoped the meeting this Thursday will allow residents to voice their concerns and come up with a plan to tackle youths who they say are making their lives a “living hell”.

Mum of four Cherie Collins, 38, of Magnolia Road, chairman of the group, said: "The victims of these gangs have no faith in the police system anymore and we have decided to take a stand to get the police to listen to us.

"It's just terrible living here and nobody seems to want to help us.”

Another resident on the Merry Oak estate, who didn't want to be named, described how youths barricaded Spring Road on April 14 before stoning her house at 11.30pm.

She said: “I could see a gang of kids watching in the distance as I drove along Merryoak Road and saw the barriers blocking the road.

“I got home and rang 101 and while on the phone they started throwing things at the front of the house. They were shouting and something hit our front door. To be fair the police did come around within 15 minutes but I haven't heard anything since.”

Acting Insp Tim Boennic, in charge of the Peartree and Merry Oak Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "We are aware of a limited amount of antisocial behaviour in Merry Oak and we’ve worked hard to tackle it and reduce it. That's reflected in the last 12 months, where we’ve seen a 30 per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour in the area.

“My Safer Neighbourhoods Team carry out regular foot patrols in the area, we hold regular beat surgeries and community meetings and encourage people to approach us directly if they have any problems.”

The emergency meeting will be held at Merry Oak Community Centre, Acacia Road, May 13, from 7pm.