RESIDENTS of a new Milford housing estate have expressed their anger and frustration at what they say are ‘neighbours from hell’. Jane Jarma, of Wentworth Close on the Fairways Estate in Hakin, spoke exclusively with The Herald about the on-going problem: “We have had a lot of abuse from these neighbours. The police have had seven complaints from us and this couple have already been issued with a harassment warning, not to mention having been arrested and charged for death threats.

I have two children with autism and they have been shouting abuse at them and calling them ‘mongos’ and ‘retards’.” She went on to explain how one worrying aspect has developed: “They are taking pictures of my children out of the window. Why would you do that? The police even said they were allowed to do this. How can that be right? We are getting continual harassment on a daily basis. “The male of the couple is also doing car repairs on his drive, damaging the property in the process, and we have filled out countless logs to Pembrokeshire Housing who don’t seem to be doing anything, even after the other residents have signed a ‘bound over’ agreement and this couple refuse to even turn up to mediation.

Everyone in the community has had a gut’s full.” Tony Craig, another resident of the Milford estate, spoke to The Herald about an incident that occurred on the estate as recently as last week: “On Wednesday of last week a couple were arrested for making death threats to the residents that are causing everyone so much trouble. As I understand, they were taken to Cardigan Police station for several hours, but it turned out that they (the troublesome neighbours) had concocted the whole thing up. “My daughter tried to run off with a knife to commit suicide the very same day, so I called the police and they took her to hospital. As I was pulling out of our drive to follow her, the evil couple yelled out ‘there goes tonight’s entertainment’, whilst laughing their heads off. When we returned from hospital they were hanging from their windows, laughing at my daughter.

What can I do to protect my kids? I am at my wit’s end. Pembrokeshire Housing’s solution? Offering me the chance to move – from my own home – not on my nelly!” He went on to describe the level of abuse, he alleges, he and his family have been dealing with: “My daughter was assaulted a month ago by them, yet no charges were brought despite six witnesses. I have complained to the Chief Constable’s office and a Sergeant Walters is investigating everything that was going on, but we have had no communication with Walters for weeks.

My daughter is 14 and has special needs and this problem of bullying from these neighbours, who continue to shout abuse at her, recently contributed to an earlier attempted suicide. They are taking pictures of kiddies in swimming costumes out of the window. My son (11) is sleeping on the sofa with a hammer he is so scared.” The Herald asked Pembrokeshire Housing to comment on the situation, and the couple that seem to be causing so much trouble to their neighbours. Jane Robinson, Housing Manager, said: “Pembrokeshire Housing is currently working with four families in Wentworth Close to support them in resolving problems around neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour which have arisen recently.

“We are working closely with the Police and other agencies to resolve such matters through the Safer Pembrokeshire, Community Safety Partnership. Neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour issues are inherently complex and often difficult to resolve. We will continue to work with the residents and the partnership to obtain a positive resolution.” In relation to what action might be being taken over the problem couple, Pembrokeshire Housing declined to comment.

Temporary Chief Inspector Ross Evans, of Dyfed Powys Police, spoke with The Herald, commenting on the latest developments: “Police in Milford Haven are continuing to patrol Wentworth Close regularly and a proportionate amount of resources has been allocated to the area. A dedicated officer has been assigned to investigate. We are working very closely with our partners in Pembrokeshire Housing Association to help resolve issues as a matter of urgency, and a number of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been served. “A 42 year old woman was arrested on Saturday, August 9 and subsequently charged with Section 5 Public Order Act. She will appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 2. We would like to reassure residents in Wentworth Close that we will continue to work with them, and additional police patrols will remain in place as part of that support.”