CAMPAIGNING residents Tony and Linda Gilkes have had the tables turned on them after years of complaining about anti-social behaviour.

The couple have lodged a catalogue of complaints against neighbours on the Thorntree estate in Middlesbrough, but are now the subject of counter-criticism.

Later this month, Erimus Housing is going to Teesside County Court to seek an injunction against them, after receiving a 70-name petition from residents.

The injunction seeks to prevent them from causing nuisance or annoyance to residents or their visitors, and to stop them making "malicious" complaints against Erimus tenants to the housing association or police.

The couple, of Birkhall Road, said they had no idea why the petition had been lodged, or why Erimus Housing was seeking the injunction.

Susie Thompson, director of housing at Erimus, said: "A petition has been received with more than 70 names, which outlines behaviour that Erimus Housing is unwilling to condone.

"We do not intend to evict Mr and Mrs Gilkes, we just seek to modify their behaviour, to behaviour that is acceptable to Erimus Housing, to neighbours and the wider community."

Mr Gilkes, 64, and his 50-year-old wife, admitted they had contacted Erimus and Cleveland Police on a number of occasions after claiming they were subject to anti-social behaviour, vandalism and threats.

He said they had even had death threats posted through their door.

"We have been in touch with Erimus and the police a few times, but all the complaints have been justified," said Mr Gilkes.

"We have no idea what we have done wrong. Presumably, it must be that we are complaining too often about neighbours.

"Our complaints have not been malicious - they have been genuine. We are the victims here."

Mr Gilkes said some of his complaints had been about people parking part of their cars on grass verges and pavements, or on the opposite side of the road, opposite his drive.

He added: "We have photographs of a car parked on the pavement and blocking the walk, and people park opposite our drive gates. It makes it difficult for us to get out."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "All incidents reported to the police have been subject to an investigation. A file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice, and we are awaiting their reply."