RESIDENTS on a crime-hit estate were visited by a top politician yesterday who listened to their tales of fear and misery.

Home Secretary David Blunkett took a walk around the Belle Vue area of Hartlepool and met pensioner Hilda Abbott, who was robbed in her home last year.

The 68-year-old told Mr Blunkett how her terraced house has become a fortress with numerous locks and security devices following the incident.

Mr Blunkett said: "Mrs Abbott had been terrorised by thugs and it reached such a state she was fearful to live in her home, never mind to leave it."

Mrs Abbott said: "The security I have now got has made a great difference to my life. It is my freedom from fear."

Mr Blunkett was joined on the walkabout by Iain Wright, Labour's candidate in the forthcoming Hartlepool by-election, who has said that, if elected, he would seek to get more anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) in place to make the town a safer place.

Mr Wright said: "The centrepiece of what I want to do is make Hartlepool safe and secure. If it is not good enough for my nanna, it is not good enough for the people of Hartlepool.

"I am asking Mr Blunkett to work in partnership with myself, should I become MP, to make sure we have additional Asbos."

Mr Blunkett also added that he was very confident Labour would win the by-election.

He said: "I am very confident about winning the election. The people of Hartlepool have very good common northern sense."