A County Durham pensioner has said that she is scared to leave her own home and look out of the window after facing months of kids terrorising her bungalow.

The woman, who does not wish to be identified for fear of the situation worsening, began to start to see the anti-social behaviour in February of this year after children would shout abuse at her and use the land outside her house in Newton Aycliffe to congregate. 

She alleges that this has since escalated to see the children, who are aged between nine and 14, throwing coins at her window, shouting through her letter box, and kicking footballs at her window.   

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Despite living at the property for 19 years, and living her whole life in Newton Aycliffe, it has only been this year that she has faced verbal abuse and anti-social behaviour. 

But police in the area have said that they have worked with the resident, and have spoken to the children and the pensioner about their behaviour towards each other.

As part of the ongoing issues, the 71-year-old says that after seven months of "torment," the issue is starting to impact her mental health, with the woman revealing that she'd even considered taking her own life. 

Speaking to The Northern Echo, the unnamed pensioner said: "I've tried contacting everyone I can think of. I'm at the end of my tether and fed up with the situation. 

"Since February, you're lucky to have one day where they're not there shouting, swearing and trying to torment me. 

The Northern Echo: Newton Aycliffe town centreNewton Aycliffe town centre (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"I'm tired of people saying 'kids will be kids' - I understand if they were playing respectively but this is going too far.

"I pray for rain half of the day because they won't be outside my house. It's got to the stage that I have considered taking my own life - my mental health is through the roof."

Alongside the children engaging in anti-social behaviour, the pensioner also alleges that the parents of the children have given her abuse in the past. 

The unnamed pensioner added: "I'm at crisis point. I'm in ill health already - and this anti-social behaviour is crippling me.

"The police are well aware of it. I've got CCTV put up, but the issues are still there. I don't want to go out of my front door for fear of being harassed and abused."  

Since February, Durham Police say they have worked with the pensioner and will continue to do so to ensure no anti-social behaviour takes place.

Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Inspector Sarah Honeyman said: “Officers have been working with this resident for several months over concerns she has raised around small children playing on an open green space near her home.

“A letter drop was conducted asking parents to speak to their children and the resident herself was also spoken to over her behaviour towards the children as well.

“We will continue to work with all parties and partner agencies when necessary but ask all neighbours to be respectful towards each other.”

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As well as the police, Durham County Council is also working with the pensioner over the anti-social behaviour concerns. 

The local authority has confirmed that they have stepped up neighbourhood warden patrols and have taken action against two individuals. 

Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s safer places manager, said: “Residents have a right to feel safe and supported in their communities. When concerns are raised about anti-social behaviour, anywhere in the county, we take these reports seriously.

“We have been working closely with Durham Constabulary to support the woman to address the concerns she has raised.