IT looks like a jail block and residents say they are being made prisoners in their own homes.

But, despite a series of complaints about drug dealers, loud music and rowdy neighbours, people living in Cirencester's Leaholme Court say their landlords have failed to act.

One resident said the situation was so bad, she likened it to the grim Australian TV series Prisoner Cell Block H.

While another said the surrounding grounds are often strewn with hypodermic syringes and that yobs urinate in the stairways.

Many residents say they live in constant fear of whom Fosseway Housing Association will move into any empty flats.

One resident, who contacted the Standard to reveal the full extent of the problem, said: "It's like Prisoner Cell Block H around here. Decent people won't go out at night now.

"We've had enough. Sometimes I just feel like bursting into tears. Doors have been bashed in and there have been disturbances during the early hours of the morning. "Sometimes you see people walking around off their head."

An elderly neighbour added: "I've seen needles outside on the green. There's one lad who's rude, throws things out of the window and swears. The stench in some places is terrible."

Another resident said: "There are general comings and goings - people visiting certain houses and flats. The police know what's going on.

"These flats were built for people who are retired. The problem comes when someone knocks on the door late at night because they've got the wrong flat. It's distressing."

While another former resident, who recently moved out of the complex, said: "It was lovely a few years ago. The council (Cotswold District) kept it for elderly people.

"As soon as Fosseway came in they didn't consider anyone. They've allowed every Tom, Dick or Harry there. It's terrible now."

Police recently smashed down the door of one flat as part of their ongoing campaign against local drug-related crime.

No drugs were seized on that occasion but officers have been called to Leaholme Court eight times since the start of April.

These have been for four reported incidents of disorder, two of anti-social noise, one of criminal damage and one of burglary - one man was charged with disorder and is due to appear before Cirencester magistrates on June 24.

Police say they are working with other agencies with regard to taking "pro-active" action.

Fosseway director of operations Stephen Cook said: "Over time, housing demand changes and our list now includes many more younger people who need housing, whereas the demand for elderly accommodation, particularly in Cirencester, is almost non-existent.

"Of course, not all young people cause problems, but whenever complaints are received they are investigated thoroughly and, if we are able to substantiate a problem then we are prepared to take decisive action.

"We will commence eviction proceedings against any tenant who is convicted of using their property for drug dealing. Only recently, a tenant was evicted from Leaholme Court.

"Fosseway clearly does not ignore anti-social behaviour and we share the frustration of our tenants but we cannot be held responsible for, nor be expected to solve, all of society's problems."