A nightmare neighbour is making women at a sheltered accommodation block in Wickford scared to open their front door.

Residents at Bradwell Court, in Southend Road, claim council officers have failed to take their complaints seriously.

The man, who is believed to be in his sixties, has lived at the property for more than a decade.

But complaints about rude comments, inappropriate behaviour and littering drink cans, used cigarettes and clothing in communal areas have increased in recent years.

Residents claim the man is regularly drunk and often abusive to females.

Tenant representative Pete Ballard said: “People get in touch with me who feel scared out of their wits.

“They shouldn’t have to live like this. The borough council don’t care and it is not taking any notice of what we are saying.”

A 60-year-old female resident at the block said: “It is very intimidating and very scary.

“For me, it has been going on for two years and it is slowly getting worse.

“He knows who to intimidate – if you have got a husband he doesn’t say anything, but if you haven’t, you are his target.

“I lock my door at night and won’t go out again until the next morning when someone else comes out to meet me at the bottom of the stairs.

“One night recently he was rattling my letterbox at midnight.

“The council offered to move me, but why should I have to move away from all the friends I have made?”

Basildon Council’s antisocial behaviour team attended Bradwell Court to speak to residents.

A spokesman said: “The team were made aware of complaints concerning a particular resident.

“Officers spoke to the residents concerned at length and as a result of their findings, this matter has been allocated to a specialist officer who is trained in managing particularly complex cases.

“It is being closely monitored by the principal antisocial behaviour officer, Julie Hennessey, who would welcome contact from residents if they wish to discuss any concerns they may have in further detail.”

Julie Hennessey can be contacted directly on 01268 465133.