Pensioners living in an old people's home have said it is essential for their privacy and protection that a neighbouring residence for troublesome youths should have its own entrance.

Homewell House, in The Moors, Kidlington, shares access with Thornbury House, which accommodates problem juveniles and includes a secure unit protected by fencing.

Kidlington Parish Council and the Thornbury House Liaison Committee recently distributed questionnaires to people living nearby asking if they would object to a new pedestrian access.

The two homes share an entrance from the days when the county council owned both sites.

Chris Robins, chairman of the Thornbury House Liaison Committee, said: "It's not a happy combination because the homes are next to each other.

"All the residents of Homewell House are in favour but other people living there think a separate access will transfer the problem nearer to their door."

Robert Beesley, 66, who lives opposite the home, in Benmead Road, said: "They zoom around on skates and some of the old people can't hear or see very well."

Steven Cieslik, regional director for Peverel Ltd, which manages Homewell House, said a separate access would improve everyone's life.

He said: "Our residents' needs are different from those of Thornbury House. They suffer from noise and minor vandalism. A separate access would give them greater privacy."